ISO/IEC 19790:2012 specifies the security requirements for a cryptographic module utilised within a security system protecting sensitive information in computer and telecommunication systems. ISO/IEC 19790:2012 defines four security levels for cryptographic modules to provide for a wide spectrum of data sensitivity (e.g. low value administrative data, million dollar funds transfers, life protecting data, personal identity information, and sensitive information used by government) and a diversity of application environments (e.g. a guarded facility, an office, removable media, and a completely unprotected location). ISO/IEC 19790:2012 specifies four security levels for each of 11 requirement areas with each security level increasing security over the preceding level.

ISO/IEC 19790:2012 specifies security requirements specified intended to maintain the security provided by a cryptographic module and compliance to this ISO/IEC 19790:2012 is not sufficient to ensure that a particular module is secure or that the security provided by the module is sufficient and acceptable to the owner of the information that is being protected.