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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 switches running the Juniper Networks Junos operating system (Junos OS) in FIPS mode comply with the FIPS 140-3 Level 1 standard.

Operating switches in a FIPS 140-3 Level 1 environment requires enabling and configuring FIPS mode on the devices from the Junos OS 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

For the features described in this document, the following platforms are supported to qualify NDcPPv2.2e:

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.

For the Juniper Networks switches that are certified at FIPS-140-3 Level 1, the cryptographic boundary of the module is determined by the chassis type. For a list of FIPS-certified switches and the cryptographic boundary of each switch, see Table 1.

Table 1: Cryptographic Boundaries on FIPS-Certified Switches

Switch

Chassis Type

Cryptographic Boundary

EX4300-48MP

Fixed configuration

Switch 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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