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Understanding Junos OS in FIPS Mode

Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-3 defines security levels for hardware and software that perform cryptographic functions. This Juniper Networks router running the Juniper Networks Junos operating system (Junos OS) in FIPS mode comply with the FIPS 140-3 Level 1 standard.

Operating this router in a FIPS 140-3 Level 1 environment requires enabling and configuring FIPS mode on the devices from the Junos OS command-line interface (CLI).

The Crypto Officer enables FIPS mode in Junos OS and sets up keys and passwords for the system and other FIPS users.

Supported Platforms and Hardware

For the features described in this document, the following platform is used to qualify FIPS certification:

  • PTX1000-72Q device

About the Cryptographic Boundary on Your Device

FIPS 140-3 compliance requires a defined cryptographic boundary around each cryptographic module on a device. Junos OS in FIPS mode prevents the cryptographic module from executing 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 in unencrypted format.

Table 1: Cryptographic Boundaries on FIPS-Certified PTX1000-72Q Router

Router

Chassis Type

Cryptographic Boundary

PTX1000-72Q

Fixed configuration

Router case

How FIPS Mode Differs from Non-FIPS Mode

Junos OS in FIPS mode differs in the following ways from Junos OS in non-FIPS mode:

  • 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.

  • Administrator passwords must be at least 10 characters long.

Validated Version of Junos OS in FIPS Mode

To determine whether a Junos OS release is NIST-validated, see the compliance page on the Juniper Networks Web site (https://apps.juniper.net/compliance/).

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