Fix the FIPS Cryptography Error When Restricting PDF Editing
Question details
The user is unable to save a PDF form after applying password protection to restrict editing, due to a FIPS cryptography compliance error.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Applying password protection to a PDF form to restrict user editing.
- Observed behavior
- Acrobat blocks the save action and displays the error message: 'The document could not be saved. Use of non-FIPS cryptography is not permitted while in FIPS mode.'
Verify whether your computer or organization strictly requires FIPS compliance for government or security protocols before modifying system cryptographic policies.
Disable FIPS Compliance in Local Security Policy
Disabling FIPS mode at the operating system level allows Adobe Acrobat to use standard, non-FIPS cryptographic algorithms for PDF password protection.
Adobe Acrobat inherits cryptographic policies from the Windows operating system. When FIPS mode is enabled, standard password security (which uses non-compliant encryption algorithms) is blocked.
Press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard, type 'secpol.msc' in the Run dialog, and press Enter to open the Local Security Policy window.
In the left-hand navigation pane, expand 'Local Policies' and click on 'Security Options'.
Scroll through the policy list on the right side to find 'System cryptography: Use FIPS compliant algorithms for encryption, hashing, and signing'. Double-click it.
Select the 'Disabled' radio button, click 'Apply', and then click 'OK'. Restart Adobe Acrobat and attempt to apply your PDF password protection again.
Use Certificate-Based Security Instead of Passwords
If you cannot disable FIPS mode, you can use Certificate Security, which relies on FIPS-compliant algorithms to restrict document editing.
Secure and Restrict PDFs Easily with WPS Office
Avoid frustrating cryptographic errors and complex system configurations. WPS Office provides an intuitive, built-in PDF encryption tool that easily lets you password-protect documents and restrict permissions without triggering FIPS compliance conflicts.
- 1. Open Your PDF: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF document you want to restrict.
- 2. Access Protection Tools: Navigate to the 'Protect' tab located on the top ribbon menu.
- 3. Enable Encryption: Click on the 'Encrypt' button to launch the security configuration window.
- 4. Set Editing Restrictions: Check the box next to 'Set password to restrict editing, printing, and extracting', enter a secure password, and click 'Confirm' to save your secured PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Use of non-FIPS cryptography is not permitted' mean?
This error occurs because your operating system is running in FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standards) mode, which strictly limits software to use only government-approved encryption algorithms. Standard PDF password protection uses algorithms that do not meet this standard.
Can I still protect my PDF from being edited if FIPS mode is on?
Yes. If FIPS mode is mandatory on your computer, you must use Certificate Security (public key cryptography) instead of standard password protection, as certificate-based encryption complies with FIPS requirements.
Will disabling FIPS mode harm my computer's security?
For most everyday users and businesses, disabling FIPS mode does not compromise system security. It simply allows your software to use standard, widely accepted encryption methods (like standard AES). FIPS is generally only required for strict government or military compliance.
