Federal Information Processing Standards facts for kids

The Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) are a set of special rules for computer systems in the United States. These rules are made by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). They help make sure that computers used by the U.S. government and its partners work well together and stay safe. FIPS standards are created when there aren't already good rules from other groups. Many FIPS rules are based on standards used by experts, like those from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

What are FIPS Standards Used For?

The U.S. government uses FIPS rules for many things. They help make sure computer systems are secure and can share information easily.

Codes for Information

FIPS standards include different kinds of codes. These codes help identify things like places or types of emergencies.

• Weather and Emergency Codes: For example, there are FIPS codes for weather conditions or emergency alerts. Since 1994, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has used FIPS codes with its weather broadcasts. These codes tell people the type of emergency and the exact area, like a county, that is affected. This helps people know if a warning is for their specific location.
• Keeping Data Secret: FIPS also sets rules for encryption. Encryption is like putting information in a secret code so only the right people can read it. Examples include the AES (FIPS 197), which is a very strong way to keep data safe.

Protecting Computer Data

Some FIPS standards are all about keeping computer systems and the information they hold safe. These rules help protect important government data from being seen or changed by unauthorized people.

Changes to Geographic Codes

Over time, some FIPS codes for places have been updated or replaced.

Old Geographic Codes

Before, there were FIPS codes for countries (FIPS 10-4), U.S. states (FIPS 5-2), and counties (FIPS 6-4). These codes were similar to, but not exactly the same as, other international codes like ISO 3166.

In 2002, NIST decided to stop using several of these geographic FIPS codes. They are now being replaced by international standards like ISO 3166. Some state codes still use parts of the old number system.

Updates for Place Codes

In 2008, NIST also stopped using the FIPS 55-3 database. This database had 5-digit codes for cities, towns, and villages in the United States. These codes often changed because they were assigned alphabetically within each state.

NIST replaced these codes with the more stable GNIS Feature ID. The U.S. Board on Geographic Names manages the GNIS database. It is the official source for geographic names in the U.S. government. Other FIPS codes for "Metropolitan Areas" and "Congressional Districts" were also updated in 2008.

How the Census Bureau Uses Codes

The U.S. Census Bureau used the old FIPS place codes to identify different areas for census data. This included counties, cities, and areas for American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

The Census Bureau is now switching to the GNIS Feature ID. This change will be finished after the 2010 Census. Until then, they still use the old FIPS place codes, but they call them "Census Codes." They also assign new codes for their own use during this change.

See also

• Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 (FISMA)
• FIPS 140 (Rules for cryptography modules)
• FIPS 197 (Rijndael / AES cipher)
• FIPS 201 (Rules for identifying federal employees and contractors)
• List of FIPS state codes