Title

The system is not configured to use FIPS compliant Algorithms for Encryption, Hashing, and Signing. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

This setting ensures that the system uses algorithms that are FIPS compliant for encryption, hashing, and signing. FIPS compliant algorithms meet specific standards established by the U.S. Government and should be the algorithms used for all OS encryption functions.

Check Content

Analyze the system using the Security Configuration and Analysis snap-in. Expand the Security Configuration and Analysis tree view. Navigate to Local Policies -> Security Options. If the value for “System cryptography: Use FIPS compliant algorithms for encryption, hashing, and signing” is not set to “Enabled”, then this is a finding. The policy referenced configures the following registry value: Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Registry Path: \System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa\FIPSAlgorithmPolicy\ Value Name: Enabled Value Type: REG_DWORD Value: 1 Warning: Clients with this setting enabled will not be able to communicate via digitally encrypted or signed protocols with servers that do not support these algorithms. Both the browser and web server must be configured to use TLS, or the browser will not be able to connect to a secure site.

Fix Text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Security Settings -> Local Policies -> Security Options -> “System cryptography: Use FIPS compliant algorithms for encryption, hashing, and signing” to “Enabled”.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-29532r1_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-3383

Group Title: FIPS Compliant Algorithms

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

Controls tied to check. These are derived from the CCIs shown above.