Users are not required to enter a password to access private keys.

From Windows 2008 Member Server Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with IA controls: IAIA-2, IAIA-1

SV-29733r1_rule Users are not required to enter a password to access private keys.

Vulnerability discussion

Configuring this setting so that users must provide a password (distinct from their domain password) every time they use a key makes it more difficult for an attacker to access locally stored user keys, even if the attacker takes control of the users computer and determines their logon password.

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Fix text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Security Settings -> Local Policies -> Security Options -> “System cryptography: Force strong key protection for user keys stored in the computer” to “User must enter a password each time they use a key”.

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