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Understanding Zeroization to Clear System Data for FIPS Mode

Zeroization completely erases all configuration information on the Routing Engines, including all plain-text passwords, secrets, and private keys for SSH, local encryption, and local authentication.

The Crypto Officer initiates the zeroization process by entering the request system zeroize (FIPS) operational command from the CLI after enabling FIPS mode. Use of this command is restricted to the Crypto Officer.

CAUTION:

Perform system zeroization with care. After the zeroization process is complete, no data is left on the Routing Engine. The switch is returned to the factory default state, without any configured users or configuration files.

Why Zeroize?

Your switch is not considered a valid FIPS cryptographic module until all critical security parameters (CSPs) have been entered—or reentered—while the switch is in FIPS mode.

Best Practice:

For FIPS 140-2 compliance, you must zeroize the system to remove sensitive information before disabling FIPS mode on the switch.

When to Zeroize?

As Crypto Officer, perform zeroization in the following situations:

  • Before enabling FIPS mode of operation: To prepare your switch for operation as a FIPS cryptographic module, perform zeroization before enabling FIPS mode.

  • Before disabling FIPS mode of operation: To begin repurposing your switch for non-FIPS mode of operation, perform zeroization on the switch.

    Note:

    Juniper Networks does not support installing non-FIPS software in a FIPS environment, but doing so might be necessary in certain test environments. Be sure to zeroize the system first.

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