Fast Facts

• OpenSSL 3.5.4 has been submitted for FIPS 140-3 validation by Lightship Security and the OpenSSL Corporation.
• This version supports post-quantum cryptography algorithms, preparing for future quantum computer threats.
• FIPS 140-3 is a US federal standard required for cryptographic modules in many government and industry settings.
• OpenSSL is one of the world’s most widely used open-source cryptographic libraries, powering everything from web servers to embedded systems.
• Final validation by the US government’s Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP) is pending.

Marching Toward the Digital Fortress

Imagine the internet as a sprawling city, its walls constantly battered by digital storms and would-be intruders. At its gates stands OpenSSL - a sentry protecting everything from your online bank to government secrets. Now, that sentry is getting a new shield: version 3.5.4, freshly submitted for one of the world’s toughest security certifications.

This week, Lightship Security, a leading cryptographic test lab, and the OpenSSL Corporation announced they’ve sent OpenSSL 3.5.4 for FIPS 140-3 validation - the gold standard for cryptographic modules in the US and many allied nations. In simple terms, this is like submitting a new lock design to the world’s strictest locksmiths. Only after an exhaustive review will OpenSSL 3.5.4 earn its badge, allowing it to secure everything from government emails to defense communications.

Behind the Submission: Why FIPS 140-3 Matters

FIPS 140-3 isn’t just a bureaucratic hurdle - it’s a market-mover. Federal agencies, defense contractors, and regulated industries can’t use cryptographic software that doesn’t pass this test. For OpenSSL, which is woven into the fabric of the internet, this certification is a passport to billions of devices and critical systems. The previous FIPS-validated OpenSSL modules have been foundational for secure communications worldwide, but as threats evolve, so must the defenses.

What sets OpenSSL 3.5.4 apart is its “post-quantum readiness.” Quantum computers, still in their infancy, threaten to break today’s encryption in the coming decades. OpenSSL 3.5.4 includes new algorithms - ML-KEM, ML-DSA, SLH-DSA - designed to resist quantum attacks. It’s like reinforcing not just the locks on your doors, but also the walls themselves, preparing for burglars with tools no one has yet seen.

The Stakes: Security, Competition, and Trust

The OpenSSL project has a checkered history. In 2014, the infamous Heartbleed bug exposed millions of systems, highlighting the cost of underfunded open-source security. Since then, OpenSSL has rebuilt trust through transparency, professional audits, and global collaboration. This FIPS 140-3 submission - backed by thorough testing and independent review - signals a new era of maturity.

Geopolitically, FIPS validation is a key to market dominance. As nations race to secure critical infrastructure and prepare for quantum risks, certified cryptography isn’t just a technical win - it’s a strategic necessity. The OpenSSL Corporation’s move positions open source at the heart of the next wave of secure communications, challenging proprietary solutions and ensuring that trust remains a shared, public good.

WIKICROOK

• OpenSSL: OpenSSL is a widely used open-source toolkit that enables secure, encrypted online communication through SSL and TLS protocols.
• FIPS 140: FIPS 140 is a U.S. standard specifying how cryptographic modules must operate to ensure strong security in sensitive or government environments.
• Post: In cybersecurity, 'post' is the process of securely sending data from a user to a server, often used for form submissions and file uploads.
• NIST: NIST is a U.S. agency that creates widely respected cybersecurity standards and guidelines, helping organizations manage and reduce cyber risks.
• Cryptographic Module: A cryptographic module is a hardware or software component that securely performs encryption, decryption, and key management to protect sensitive data.