For systems utilizing a logon ID as the individual identifier, passwords must be a minimum of 14 characters in length.

From Windows 2008 Member Server Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-000205

SV-29389r2_rule For systems utilizing a logon ID as the individual identifier, passwords must be a minimum of 14 characters in length.

Vulnerability discussion

Information systems not protected with strong password schemes including passwords of minimum length provide the opportunity for anyone to crack the password thus gaining access to the system and causing the device, information, or the local network to be compromised or a denial of service.

Check content

Analyze the system using the Security Configuration and Analysis snap-in. Expand the Security Configuration and Analysis tree view. Navigate to Account Policies -> Password Policy. If the value for the "Minimum password length" is less than 14 characters, this is a finding.

Fix text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Security Settings -> Account Policies -> Password Policy -> "Minimum password length" to at least "14" characters.

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