← Back to Microsoft Windows 11 Security Technical Implementation Guide

V-253305

CAT I (High)

Reversible password encryption must be disabled.

Rule ID

SV-253305r1051046_rule

STIG

Microsoft Windows 11 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Version

V2R7

CCIs

CCI-004062 CCI-000196

Discussion

Storing passwords using reversible encryption is essentially the same as storing clear-text versions of the passwords. For this reason, this policy must never be enabled.

Check Content

Verify the effective setting in Local Group Policy Editor.
Run "gpedit.msc".

Navigate to Local Computer Policy >> Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Account Policies >> Password Policy.

If the value for "Store password using reversible encryption" is not set to "Disabled", this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Account Policies >> Password Policy >> "Store passwords using reversible encryption" to "Disabled".