Manage FIPS
Use this page to disable Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) or to enable security standards that are required by the government.
WebSphere® Application Server integrates cryptographic modules, which include Java™ Secure Socket Extension (JSSE) and Java Cryptography Extension (JCE). JSSE and JCE must undergo the certification process to meet government standards, and WebSphere Application Server must be configured to use them as specified by the standards.
To view this administrative console page, click Security > SSL certificate and key management > Manage FIPS.
Disable FIPS
Select to disable FIPS, which is the default.
| Data type: | Default: | Range: |
|---|---|---|
| Boolean | Enabled | Enabled or Disabled |
Enable FIPS 140-2
Select to enable FIPS 140-2. This option makes IBMJSSE2 and IBMJCEFIPS the active providers.
Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) specifies requirements on cryptographic modules. WebSphere Application Server has been able to configure using the FIPS 140-2 standard the longest. Many users can be configured to use this level, but might be required to move up to the newer SP800-131 or Suite B standard.
| Data type: | Default: | Range: |
|---|---|---|
| Boolean | Enabled | Enabled or Disabled |
Enable SP800-131
Select to enable SP800-131.
SP800-131 is a requirement originated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology
(NIST) which requires longer key lengths and stronger cryptography. The specification also provides
a transition configuration to enable users to move to a strict enforcement of SP800-131. The
transition configuration also enables users to run with a mixture of settings from both FIPS140-2
and SP800-131. SP800-131 can be run in two modes, transition and
strict.
| Data type: | Default: | Range: |
|---|---|---|
| Boolean | Enabled | Enabled or Disabled |
Enable Suite B: Accept 128 bit keys
Select to specify that suite B cryptography is used, and is configured to accept a 128-bit key size. Keystore certificate algorithms require Elliptical curve (EC) cryptography.
| Data type: | Default: | Range: |
|---|---|---|
| Boolean | Enabled | Enabled or Disabled |
Enable Suite B: Accept 192-bit keys
Select to specify that suite B cryptography is used, and is configured to accept a 192-bit key size. Keystore certificate algorithms require Elliptical curve (EC) cryptography.
Suite B can run in 2 modes: 128-bit or 192-bit. If using 192-bit mode, you must apply the unrestricted policy file to the JDK so that the stronger cipher required for the 192-bit mode can be used.
| Data type: | Default: | Range: |
|---|---|---|
| Boolean | Enabled | Enabled or Disabled |
Convert certificates
Select to convert certificates to the selected security standard. All certificates in keystores associated with an Secure Socket Layer (SSL) configuration are converted.