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Configure Windows FIPS Mode for Nodinite Web Client

The Windows FIPS Mode Compatibility Challenge

Many government, healthcare, and defense organizations enforce Windows FIPS mode—a Group Policy setting that restricts cryptographic algorithms to only those validated under FIPS 140-2 standards. While intended to enhance security compliance, FIPS mode creates compatibility issues with modern cryptography:

What happens when Windows FIPS mode is enabled:

  • Blocks Modern Algorithms - Prevents applications from using newer, more secure cryptographic schemes (AES-GCM, ChaCha20) that aren't FIPS-validated
  • ProductKey Encryption Failures - Nodinite versions prior to 4.4.0.34 used encryption algorithms incompatible with FIPS mode, causing license validation to fail
  • System Performance Degradation - Forces legacy cryptographic implementations that are slower than modern alternatives
  • Installation Errors - IIS and .NET applications fail to start when they rely on non-FIPS-approved crypto providers
  • False Security Assumptions - Microsoft and security experts argue FIPS mode doesn't improve security and may actually reduce it by blocking stronger algorithms

The Breaking Point: You've deployed Nodinite in a government environment with mandatory FIPS mode enforcement. The Web Client fails to start, ProductKey validation throws cryptographic exceptions, and security policies prevent you from disabling FIPS mode.

Important

This page covers Windows FIPS mode settings only. For information about Nodinite's binary security and code signing with FIPS 140-2 Level 2 certificates, see Code Signing and Binary Integrity.

Understanding Windows FIPS Mode

Windows FIPS mode is a local security policy that enforces use of FIPS 140-2 validated cryptographic algorithms. When enabled, Windows blocks applications from using non-validated encryption, even if those algorithms are more secure.

Microsoft's Position on FIPS Mode:

"FIPS mode" does not make Windows more secure. It blocks access to newer cryptography schemes that are not FIPS-validated, which can make your system slower, less functional, and arguably less secure.

Source: Why You Shouldn't Enable FIPS-Compliant Encryption on Windows

Key Points:

  • ✅ FIPS mode is a compliance requirement, not a security improvement
  • ✅ Newer cryptographic algorithms are often more secure than FIPS-validated legacy ones
  • ✅ FIPS validation is expensive and time-consuming, so newer algorithms lag behind
  • ⚠️ Many organizations enforce FIPS mode due to regulatory mandates (NIST, DoD, FedRAMP)

Nodinite Version Compatibility

The Nodinite ProductKey is encrypted and decrypted for validation during runtime. Version 4.4.0.34 introduced FIPS-compatible encryption algorithms:

Nodinite Version Compatibility

The Nodinite ProductKey is encrypted and decrypted for validation during runtime. Version 4.4.0.34 introduced FIPS-compatible encryption algorithms:

Pre 4.4.0.34 Releases

Windows FIPS mode must be DISABLED in Windows Server(s) running Nodinite with IIS.

  • ❌ Nodinite used encryption algorithms not validated under FIPS 140-2
  • ❌ ProductKey validation fails with cryptographic exceptions when FIPS mode is enabled
  • ✅ Solution: Disable Windows FIPS mode via Group Policy or local security policy

How to disable FIPS mode:

  1. Open Local Security Policy (secpol.msc)
  2. Navigate to Local Policies > Security Options
  3. Find System cryptography: Use FIPS compliant algorithms for encryption, hashing, and signing
  4. Set to Disabled
  5. Restart the server

Post 4.4.0.34 Releases (Current Versions)

Windows FIPS mode CAN BE ENABLED in Windows Server(s) running Nodinite with IIS.

  • ✅ Nodinite updated to FIPS-compatible encryption algorithms
  • ✅ ProductKey validation works correctly with FIPS mode enabled
  • ✅ Full support for government and regulated environments requiring FIPS compliance

Tip

Recommendation: Even though Nodinite supports FIPS mode, Microsoft recommends NOT enabling it unless required by organizational policy. Modern cryptographic algorithms blocked by FIPS mode are often more secure than FIPS-validated legacy alternatives.

How to Check Your Nodinite Version

Verify your Nodinite version to determine FIPS compatibility:

  1. Log in to the Nodinite Web Client
  2. Click the user menu (top-right corner)
  3. Select About to view version information
  4. If version is 4.4.0.34 or higher, FIPS mode is supported

Troubleshooting FIPS Mode Issues

Symptom: ProductKey Validation Fails

Error messages:

  • "This implementation is not part of the Windows Platform FIPS validated cryptographic algorithms"
  • "Cryptographic exception during license validation"

Resolution:

  • If Nodinite version < 4.4.0.34: Disable Windows FIPS mode
  • If Nodinite version ≥ 4.4.0.34: Update to latest version and restart IIS

Symptom: Web Client Won't Start After Enabling FIPS Mode

Cause: Running pre-4.4.0.34 version with FIPS mode enabled

Resolution:

  1. Disable FIPS mode temporarily
  2. Upgrade Nodinite to version 4.4.0.34 or higher
  3. Re-enable FIPS mode if required by policy
  4. Restart IIS: iisreset /restart

Contact our support

If you have questions or trouble with the Nodinite Web Client, contact us at support@nodinite.com for expert assistance.

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