SQL Server must implement NIST FIPS 140-2 or 140-3 validated cryptographic modules to generate and validate cryptographic hashes.

Severity	Group ID	Group Title	Version	Rule ID	Date	STIG Version
high	V-214023	SRG-APP-000514-DB-000382	SQL6-D0-015700	SV-214023r961857_rule	2025-02-12	3

Description
Use of weak or untested encryption algorithms undermines the purposes of utilizing encryption to protect data. The application must implement cryptographic modules adhering to the higher standards approved by the federal government since this provides assurance they have been tested and validated. For detailed information, refer to NIST FIPS Publication 140-2 or Publication 140-3, Security Requirements For Cryptographic Modules. Note that the product's cryptographic modules must be validated and certified by NIST as FIPS-compliant.

Description

Use of weak or untested encryption algorithms undermines the purposes of utilizing encryption to protect data. The application must implement cryptographic modules adhering to the higher standards approved by the federal government since this provides assurance they have been tested and validated. For detailed information, refer to NIST FIPS Publication 140-2 or Publication 140-3, Security Requirements For Cryptographic Modules. Note that the product's cryptographic modules must be validated and certified by NIST as FIPS-compliant.

ℹ️ Check
Verify that Windows is configured to require the use of FIPS-compliant algorithms. Click Start >> Type "Local Security Policy" >> Press Enter >> Expand "Local Policies" >> Select "Security Options" >> Locate "System Cryptography: Use FIPS compliant algorithms for encryption, hashing, and signing." If "System Cryptography: Use FIPS compliant algorithms for encryption, hashing, and signing" is not enabled, this is a finding.

ℹ️ Check

Verify that Windows is configured to require the use of FIPS-compliant algorithms. Click Start >> Type "Local Security Policy" >> Press Enter >> Expand "Local Policies" >> Select "Security Options" >> Locate "System Cryptography: Use FIPS compliant algorithms for encryption, hashing, and signing." If "System Cryptography: Use FIPS compliant algorithms for encryption, hashing, and signing" is not enabled, this is a finding.

✔️ Fix
Configure Windows to require the use of FIPS compliant algorithms. Click Start >> Type "Local Security Policy" >> Press Enter >> Expand "Local Policies" >> Select "Security Options" >> Locate "System Cryptography: Use FIPS compliant algorithms for encryption, hashing, and signing." >> Change the Setting option to "Enabled" >> Restart Windows