[$] A loadable crypto module for FIPS certification
The article discusses the challenges of achieving FIPS certification for crypto code in the Linux kernel, which is a lengthy process that can be invalidated by non-crypto kernel updates. A proposed patch series aims to decouple the crypto subsystem into a standalone loadable module, allowing for reuse across kernel updates and reducing recertification delays. This solution would enable distributions to deliver timely kernel updates while maintaining FIPS compliance, making it easier for organizations to meet certification requirements.
- ▪FIPS certification is granted at the binary level by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and typically takes 12 to 18 months to complete.
- ▪The current kernel build process makes it difficult to deliver timely kernel updates while maintaining FIPS compliance due to the crypto subsystem being built directly into the main kernel image.
- ▪A loadable crypto module would allow for the certified crypto code to be reused across kernel updates, reducing the need for lengthy recertification delays.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
We're bad at marketing We can admit it, marketing is not our strong suit. Our strength is writing the kind of articles that developers, administrators, and free-software supporters depend on to know what is going on in the Linux world. Please subscribe today to help us keep doing that, and so we don’t have to get good at marketing. May 29, 2026 This article was contributed by Jay Wang Many organizations require US Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) certification of the crypto code they are running. The certification process is lengthy, but the bigger problem is that the way the crypto subsystem is built into the kernel makes the result unable to be reused across kernel updates.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at LWN.net (Linux Weekly News).