58 lines
2.6 KiB
Plaintext
58 lines
2.6 KiB
Plaintext
---
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layout: docs
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page_title: Vault Enterprise Entropy Augmentation
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description: |-
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Vault Enterprise features a mechanism to sample entropy from external
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cryptographic modules.
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---
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# Entropy Augmentation
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-> **Note**: This feature requires [Vault Enterprise Plus](https://www.hashicorp.com/products/vault/).
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Vault Enterprise features a mechanism to sample entropy (or randomness for
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cryptographic operations) from external cryptographic modules via the [seals](/docs/configuration/seal)
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interface. While the system entropy used by Vault is more than capable of
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operating in most threat models, there are some situations where additional
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entropy from hardware-based random number generators is desirable.
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To use this feature, you must have an active or trial license for Vault
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Enterprise. To start a trial, contact [HashiCorp sales](mailto:sales@hashicorp.com).
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# Critical Security Parameters (CSPs)
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Entropy augmentation allows Vault Enterprise to supplement its system entropy with
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entropy from an external cryptography module. Designed to operate in environments
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where alignment with cryptographic regulations like [NIST SP800-90B](https://csrc.nist.gov/publications/detail/sp/800-90b/final)
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is required or when augmented entropy from external sources such as hardware true
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random number generators (TRNGs) or [quantum computing TRNGs](https://www.hashicorp.com/blog/quantum-security-and-cryptography-in-hashicorp-vault/)
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are desirable, augmented entropy replaces system entropy when performing random
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number operations on critical security parameters (CSPs).
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These CSPs have been selected from our previous work in [evaluating Vault for conformance with
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FIPS 140-2 guidelines for key storage and key transport](https://www.datocms-assets.com/2885/1510600487-vault_compliance_letter_fips_140-2.pdf)
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and include the following:
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- Vault’s root key
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- Keyring encryption keys
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- Auto Unseal recovery keys
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- TLS private keys for inter-node and inter cluster communication (HA leader, raft, and replication)
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- Enterprise MFA TOTP token keys
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- JWT token wrapping keys
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- Root tokens
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- DR operation tokens
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- [Transit](/docs/secrets/transit) backend key generation
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## Enabling/Disabling
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Entropy augmentation is disabled by default. To enable entropy augmentation Vault's
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[configuration file][configuration] must include a properly configured [entropy and seal stanza](/docs/configuration/entropy-augmentation)
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for a supported seal type.
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[configuration]: /docs/configuration
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## Learn
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Refer to the [HSM Integration - Entropy Augmentation](https://learn.hashicorp.com/vault/operations/hsm-entropy) guide
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for a step-by-step tutorial.
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