Ubuntu Pro FIPS 204 LTS is now available on Azure, offering a secure, compliant, and optimized Linux environment for regulated industries like government, finance, and healthcare. Featuring FIPS 140-3 certified cryptographic modules, it streamlines compliance with FedRAMP and other standards while ensuring ongoing security updates. Unique :
Ubuntu Pro FIPS 204 LTS Now on Azure: What You Need to Know
Canonical and Microsoft teamed up to launch Ubuntu Pro FIPS 204 LTS on Azure. This new offering targets government, finance, healthcare, and other regulated industries. It’s designed to help organizations meet strict FIPS 140-3 compliance requirements with ease.
What’s New with Ubuntu Pro FIPS 204 LTS?
Ubuntu Pro FIPS 204 LTS comes with FIPS 140-3 certified cryptographic modules pre-enabled. These include a hardened Linux kernel and key libraries like OpenSSL, Libgcrypt, and GnuTLS. They serve as drop-in replacements for standard packages, simplifying compliance.
According to Jehudi Castro-Sierra, Cloud Alliance Director at Canonical, “This offering extends the stability and comprehensive security features of Ubuntu Pro, tailored for state agencies, federal contractors, and industries requiring a FIPS-validated foundation on Azure.”
Why FIPS 140-3 Matters
FIPS 140-3 is the latest U.S. government standard for validating cryptographic modules. It replaces the older FIPS 140-2 and includes modern ciphers like TLS 3 while deprecating outdated algorithms such as MD5. This update is crucial for protecting sensitive data in transit and at rest.
Many regulated industries, including finance and healthcare, recognize FIPS 140-3 as a best practice. Using certified cryptographic components helps ensure your security measures are robust and compliant.
Security Updates Without Breaking Compliance
One challenge with FIPS certification is that it applies to specific module versions at validation. New vulnerabilities can emerge, creating a security risk if patches aren’t applied.
Canonical addresses this by providing fips-updates through Ubuntu Pro. These patches fix vulnerabilities without altering the validated cryptographic functions. This approach aligns with recent FedRAMP guidance emphasizing the importance of patching over strict version adherence.
“Canonical strongly recommends all users enable the fips-updates repository to ensure their systems are both compliant and secure against the latest threats.”
Easy Deployment on Azure
You can start using Ubuntu Pro FIPS 204 LTS on Azure in a few ways:
- Deploy a new VM directly from the dedicated Ubuntu Pro FIPS image in the Azure Marketplace.
- Enable FIPS modules on an existing Ubuntu Pro 204 LTS VM using the Ubuntu Pro Client.
- Upgrade a standard Ubuntu 204 LTS VM by attaching Ubuntu Pro and then enabling FIPS.
Bonus: Compliance Tooling Included
Ubuntu Pro FIPS also bundles Canonical’s Ubuntu Security Guide (USG) tooling. This helps automate hardening and compliance checks against CIS and DISA-STIG benchmarks, essential for FedRAMP and other regulatory requirements.
Final Thoughts
Ubuntu Pro FIPS 204 LTS on Azure offers a secure, compliant, and performance-optimized foundation for sensitive workloads. It’s a game-changer for regulated industries looking to streamline their cloud security and compliance efforts.
For deeper insights, check out the official Azure Marketplace listing and Canonical’s documentation on enabling FIPS modules.
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