Symmetric Key Derivation Function Version ‘KDFV1’ Is Invalid. Update The Device for the Latest Updates

The error message: “Symmetric Key Derivation Function Version ‘KDFV1’ Is Invalid. Update The Device for the Latest Updates” means that the device or system you’re working with is trying to use an outdated or unsupported key derivation function—KDFV1, which is no longer considered secure or compatible with current cryptographic standards.

What This Means

  • KDFV1 refers to a version of a Key Derivation Function (KDF) used to generate cryptographic keys from a shared secret.

  • It has likely been deprecated in favor of more secure or standardized versions such as KDFv2, HKDF, or PBKDF2

  • Your device/software is not compatible with the current security policies of the system or network it’s trying to communicate with.


What You Should Do

✅ 1. Update Your Device/Software

  • This is the most important step. Check for firmware or software updates for the device

    • For example, if it’s a router, IoT device, smartphone, or security module, visit the manufacturer’s website or use the built-in update feature.

✅ 2. Check Compatibility Notes

  • Some systems explicitly block legacy cryptographic protocols for security compliance (e.g., FIPS, NIST guidelines).

  • If you’re integrating with a secure API or VPN, ensure your software supports modern KDFs.

✅ 3. Contact Support (If Needed)

  • If it’s a proprietary system (like industrial equipment or enterprise hardware), reach out to the vendor or support team and reference this error.

    • Let them know the device is trying to use KDFV1 and ask if a patch or firmware upgrade is available.

✅ 4. Developer Note (if applicable)

If you’re a developer and seeing this during integration or encryption key setup:

  • Replace usage of KDFV1 with a modern KDF like:

    • HKDF (HMAC-based)

    • PBKDF2

    • scrypt

    • bcrypt (for password hashing)

Also read : Connect DET | Accessing the DET Connect Portal


Microsoft Entra authentication

Microsoft Entra (Azure AD) enforces modern security standards, and older devices or libraries using KDFV1 (Key Derivation Function Version 1) are now blocked from authenticating.

This typically affects:

  • Old or unmanaged devices (e.g., legacy Windows versions or third-party clients).

  • Devices using legacy authentication libraries.

  • Hybrid Azure AD joined devices that haven’t received recent updates.

  • Custom applications or scripts using outdated libraries for token-based auth.


✅ How to Fix This

1. Update the Device or OS

Ensure the device is fully updated:

  • Windows 10 or Windows 11 with the latest security and feature updates.

  • Updates should include the latest Authentication Libraries and SSO components.

  • For Windows 10, aim for version 22H2 or higher.


2. Check for Microsoft Entra Device Registration Updates

Some older devices may fail device registration due to this error. To resolve:

  • Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:

dsregcmd /status
  • If Device State shows Not AzureAD Joined, the device may not be properly registered.

  • Rejoin the device to Azure AD or Hybrid Azure AD (if part of a domain).


3. Update Authentication Libraries (For Developers)

If this is related to an application using Microsoft identity platform (e.g., MSAL or ADAL), update to the latest MSAL version:

  • ADAL is deprecated — switch to MSAL.

  • Update your libraries to ensure they use modern KDFs (typically handled internally by MSAL).


4. Check Entra Conditional Access / Security Settings

If you’re an IT admin:

  • Go to Entra Admin Center → Devices → Device Settings.

  • Review any conditional access policies that may block older or unmanaged devices.

  • Confirm device compliance is enforced.


5. Re-provision the Device (If Still Failing)

If a device continues to fail after updating:

  • Unjoin and rejoin the device to Azure AD or Hybrid Azure AD.

  • Use Settings > Accounts > Access work or school > Disconnect, then re-enroll.


Summary

This error is a security warning indicating that your system or device is using outdated cryptography. To resolve it, you must update the device/software to a version that uses a modern key derivation function.

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