Information
FIPS mode in NX-OS refers to the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 compliance mode. FIPS 140-2 is a U.S. government standard that specifies security requirements for cryptographic modules. When FIPS mode is enabled on NX-OS devices, it ensures that the cryptographic functions and processes adhere to these stringent security standards.
Enabling FIPS mode in NX-OS is important for several reasons: 1. Compliance with Government Standards: FIPS 140-2 is a U.S. government standard that specifies security requirements for cryptographic modules. Enabling FIPS mode ensures that your device complies with these stringent security standards, which is often a requirement for government and regulated industries. 2. Enhanced Security: FIPS mode enforces the use of FIPS-approved cryptographic algorithms and modules. This ensures that only secure and validated cryptographic functions are used, reducing the risk of vulnerabilities and attacks. 3. Self-Tests and Error Handling: FIPS mode includes self-tests and error handling mechanisms. The device performs power-up self-tests and conditional self-tests to verify the proper functioning of cryptographic modules. If any self-test fails, the device logs a system message and enters an error state, ensuring that any issues are promptly detected and addressed. 4. Trust and Assurance: Enabling FIPS mode provides assurance to users and stakeholders that the device meets high security standards. This can be particularly important in environments where data security and integrity are critical.
Solution
switch(config)#fips mode enable
Impact:
Enabling FIPS mode may cause some performance overhead because of the extra processing required. Additionally, it limits the range of available algorithms, meaning that some non-FIPS protocols and algorithms might be restricted or disabled. To ensure compliance with FIPS standards, certain configuration options and features may also be limited.