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Overview of Zeroization to Clear System Data for FIPS Mode
Zeroization completely erases all configuration information on the device, including all plaintext passwords, secrets, and private keys for SSH, local encryption, local authentication, and IPsec. To exit the FIPS mode you need to zeroize the device.
Security Administrator initiates the zeroization process by entering the request
vmhost zeroize no-forwarding operational command.
In reference to cryptographic key destruction, TOE does not support delayed key destruction.
Perform system zeroization with care. After the zeroization process is complete, no data is left on the device.
Zeroization can be time-consuming. Although all configurations are removed in a few seconds, the zeroization process goes on to overwrite all media, which can take considerable time depending on the size of the media.
Why Zeroize?
Your device is not considered a valid FIPS cryptographic module until all critical security parameters (CSPs) have been entered—or reentered—while the device is in FIPS mode.
For FIPS 140-3 compliance, you must zeroize the system to remove sensitive information before disabling FIPS mode on the device.
When to Zeroize?
As Security Administrator, perform zeroization in the following situations:
Before enabling FIPS mode of operation: To prepare your device for operation as a FIPS cryptographic module, perform zeroization before enabling FIPS mode.
Before disabling FIPS mode of operation: To begin repurposing your device for non-FIPS operation, perform zeroization before disabling FIPS mode on the device.
Note:Juniper Networks does not support installing non-FIPS software in a FIPS environment, but doing so might be necessary in certain test environments. Be sure to zeroize the system first.