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 other applications that require data integrity assurance and data origin authentication. The techniques specified in ANSI X9.31 and ANSI X9.62 may be used in addition to the Digital Signature Algorithm (DSA) specified herein. (NIST editorial note: either DSA, RSA [ANSI X9.31], or ECDSA [ANSI X9.62] may be used; all three do not have to be implemented.)

Implementations: A ds algorithm may be implemented in software firmware, hardware or any combination thereof. NIST has developed a validation program to test implementations for conformance to DSA. Currently, conformance tests for ANSI X9.31 and ANSI X9.62 have not been developed. These tests will be developed and made available in the future. Information about the planned validation program can be obtained from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Information Technology Laboratory, Attn: DSS Validation, 100 Bureau Drive Stop 8930, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8930.

Agencies are advised that separate keys should be used for signature and confidentiality purposes when using the X9.31 standard. This is because the RSA algorithm can be used for both data encryption and digital signature purposes.

Export Control: Certain cryptographic devices and technical data regarding them are subject to Federal export controls. Applicable Federal government export controls are specified in Title 15, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 740.17; Title 15, CFR Part 742; and Title 15, CFR Part 774, Category 5, Part 2.

Patents: The algorithms in this standard may be covered by U.S. or foreign patents.

Implementation Schedule: This standard becomes effective July 27, 2000. A transition period from July 27, 2000 until July 27, 2001 is provided to enable all agencies to develop plans for the acquisition of equipment which implements the digital signature techniques adopted by FIPS 186-2. During the transition period, agencies may continue to use their existing digital signature systems and to acquire additional equipment that may be needed to interoperate with these legacy digital signature systems. Agencies without legacy digital signature systems should plan for the acquisition and use of equipment implementing the digital signature techniques that are adopted by FIPS 186-2. After the transition period, only equipment that implements FIPS 186-2 endorsed techniques should be acquired.

Specifications: Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 186-2 Digital Signature Standard (affixed). Also see an important change notice at the end of this document.

Cross Index:

a. FIPS PUB 46-3, Data Encryption Standard.

b. FIPS PUB 73, Guidelines for Security of Computer Applications.