The server rejects the handshake. It demands stronger ciphers, stricter validation, and nothing less than full compliance with the FedRAMP High Baseline TLS configuration.
FedRAMP High requires TLS settings that go beyond common defaults. These rules protect high-impact systems where the cost of failure is unacceptable. To meet the High Baseline, your TLS configuration must close every gap in protocol support, key negotiation, and cryptographic strength.
Protocols
Only TLS 1.2 and TLS 1.3 are allowed. Disable SSLv2, SSLv3, TLS 1.0, and TLS 1.1 entirely. Any legacy protocol is a direct violation of FedRAMP High guidelines.
Cipher Suites
Support only strong cipher suites with forward secrecy and AES-GCM encryption. Examples include:
- TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384
- TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_128_GCM_SHA256
Avoid any suite with RC4, DES, 3DES, or MD5. Remove export-grade ciphers.
Key Exchange
Ephemeral keys are mandatory. Use elliptic curve key exchange (ECDHE) or finite field Diffie-Hellman (DHE) with strong parameters. FedRAMP High Baseline TLS emphasizes perfect forward secrecy to protect past sessions even if long-term keys are compromised.
Certificate Requirements
Certificates must be signed with SHA-256 or stronger. Use RSA keys with at least 3072 bits or ECDSA with equivalent security, such as P-384. Ensure your certificate chain is complete and trusted by clients.
Configuration Hardening
Disable session tickets if they reuse keys. Enforce TLS-specific security headers: HSTS, secure cookies, and certificate pinning where possible. Test your deployment using automated scanning tools and verify against the FedRAMP High Baseline template.
Meeting these standards is not optional. For systems handling high-impact federal data, full adherence to FedRAMP High Baseline TLS configuration is the line between approval and rejection. This is security built on exact rules, not recommendations.
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