Are you one of our customers tasked by the US federal government to implement their newly minted AI initiatives? Then go get a cup of coffee and sit down because you are going to want to hear what we have to say about the MCP (Model Context Protocol) and how it relates to FIPS 140-3.
The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is a framework that provides AI models with relevant, structured context to improve efficiency and accuracy around how the data is used. It ensures AI agents receive pertinent data and environmental cues for optimal performance, reducing ambiguity, enhancing decision-making, and streamlining AI-environment interaction.
The protocol works on a client-server model. The servers are, generally speaking, data and service providers while the clients are the AI agents. MCP servers can provide real-time sensor data, historical archives, structured databases (CRM, ERP), knowledge bases, and external API access (weather, mapping, translation). MCP clients are AI entities, from chatbots to complex autonomous systems, needing external data/services. Examples include, LLMs, decision-making AIs and robotics/autonomous vehicles.
Here are just a few examples of servers within agencies of the US Federal Government:
The messages are formatted as JSON with some predefined fields. The important part is that these messages need to be authenticated, encrypted, and integrity checked. From the https://modelcontextprotocol.io/docs/concepts/transports:
> Always use TLS/HTTPS for production deployments
So if the US federal government is going to be contracting you to create an AI MCP client to leverage these servers, then you can bet your bottom dollar that it needs to be using FIPS 140-3 certified cryptography.
Want to learn more about our laddered-approach to FIPS 140-3 certifications and our evergreen licensing model? Send a message to fips@wolfssl.com or facts@wolfssl.com and we’ll be happy to explain it all to you!
If you have questions about any of the above, please contact us at facts@wolfssl.com or call us at +1 425 245 8247.
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