Understanding Junos OS in FIPS Mode of Operation
Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 defines security levels for hardware and software that perform cryptographic functions. Junos-FIPS is a version of the Junos operating system (Junos OS) that complies with Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-2.
Operating vSRX in a FIPS 140-2 Level 1 environment requires enabling and configuring FIPS mode of operation on the device from the Junos OS command-line interface (CLI).
The Cryptographic Officer enables FIPS mode of operation in Junos OS Release 17.4R2-S1 and sets up keys and passwords for the system and other FIPS users who can view the configuration. Both user types can also perform normal configuration tasks on the device (such as modify interface types) as individual user configuration allows.
About the Cryptographic Boundary on Your Device
FIPS 140-2 compliance requires a defined cryptographic boundary around each cryptographic module on a device. Junos OS in FIPS mode of operation prevents the cryptographic module from running any software that is not part of the FIPS-certified distribution, and allows only FIPS-approved cryptographic algorithms to be used. No critical security parameters (CSPs), such as passwords and keys, can cross the cryptographic boundary of the module by, for example, being displayed on a console or written to an external log file.
How FIPS Mode of Operation Differs from Non-FIPS Mode of Operation
Unlike Junos OS in non-FIPS mode of operation, Junos OS in FIPS mode of operation is a nonmodifiable operational environment. In addition, Junos OS in FIPS mode of operation differs in the following ways from Junos OS in non-FIPS mode of operation:
Self-tests of all cryptographic algorithms are performed at startup.
Self-tests of random number and key generation are performed continuously.
Weak cryptographic algorithms such as Data Encryption Standard (DES) and MD5 are disabled.
Weak or unencrypted management connections must not be configured.
Passwords must be encrypted with strong one-way algorithms that do not permit decryption.
Junos-FIPS administrator passwords must be at least 10 characters long.
Cryptographic keys must be encrypted before transmission.
Note In all other ways, Junos-FIPS behaves identically to the standard Junos OS image.
The FIPS 140-2 standard is available for download from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) at http://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/FIPS/NIST.FIPS.140-2.pdf.
Validated Version of Junos OS in FIPS Mode of Operation
To determine the validated version of Junos OS in FIPS mode of operation and for regulatory compliance information about Common Criteria and FIPS for Juniper Networks products, see the Juniper Networks Compliance Advisor.