vSphere RSA authentication fails after enabling FIPS

Products

• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

RSA and FIPS are mutually exclusive when used with vSphere:

"When you activate FIPS, vCenter Server supports only cryptographic modules for federated authentication. As a result, RSA SecureID and some CAC cards no longer function."

-Considerations When Using FIPS

Environment

vSphere 8.x

Cause

FIPS and RSA authentication are incompatible with each other when used with vSphere

Resolution

Either disable FIPS or use another form of authentication such as one of the federated authentication solutions.