The built-in Windows password complexity policy must be enabled.

From Windows 7 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Part of Microsoft Strong Password Filtering

Associated with: CCI-000192 CCI-000193 CCI-000194 CCI-001619

SV-25012r2_rule The built-in Windows password complexity policy must be enabled.

Vulnerability discussion

The use of complex passwords increases their strength against attack. The built-in Windows password complexity policy requires passwords to contain at least 3 of the 4 types of characters (numbers, upper- and lower-case letters, and special characters), as well as preventing the inclusion of user names or parts of.

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 "Password must meet complexity requirements" is not set to "Enabled", this is a finding. Note: If an external password filter is in use that enforces all 4 character types and requires this setting be set to "Disabled", this would not be considered a finding. If this setting does not affect the use of an external password filter, it must be enabled for fall-back purposes.

Fix text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Account Policies >> Password Policy >> "Password must meet complexity requirements" to "Enabled".

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