National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is an agency of the United States government, part of the Department of Commerce. NIST is focused on advancing measurement science, innovation, and industrial technology. Its mission is to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life.

NIST works with industry to develop and apply technology, measurements, and standards. NIST also pushes collaborations and partnerships to help foster and encourage innovation in the private sector. This includes sharing the latest standards and engineering developments that help information technology, computing, manufacturing, and communication.

NIST also focuses on promoting cybersecurity and improving digital identity and authentication security. They provide guidance and tools to government agencies, industry, and the public to help secure systems and data, as well as helping to ensure secure use of the internet.

NIST also focuses on the development and dissemination of reliable data and information and helps protect the public by supporting research in areas such as safety and security.

NIST is responsible for the development of the U.S. national infrastructure of technology and measurements known as the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS). The FIPS provides standards that ensure information security and reliability. It is used in various areas such as banking, government, healthcare, defense and telecommunications.

In addition, NIST is responsible for the maintainance of the national time and keeps time accurate to a millionth of a second.

NIST was established in 1901 and works to ensure the continued advancement of the United States’ technology and standards.