Title

Windows 10 must be configured to require a minimum pin length of six characters or greater. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

Windows allows the use of PINs as well as biometrics for authentication without sending a password to a network or website where it could be compromised. Longer minimum PIN lengths increase the available combinations an attacker would have to attempt. Shorter minimum length significantly reduces the strength.

Check Content

If the following registry value does not exist or is not configured as specified, this is a finding. Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Registry Path: \SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\PassportForWork\PINComplexity\ Value Name: MinimumPINLength Type: REG_DWORD Value: 6 (or greater)

Fix Text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> System >> PIN Complexity >> "Minimum PIN length" to "6" or greater. v1607 LTSB: The policy path is Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Windows Hello for Business >> Pin Complexity. v1507 LTSB: The policy path is Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Microsoft Passport for Work >> Pin Complexity.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-220847r991589_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-220847

Group Title: SRG-OS-000480-GPOS-00227

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

Controls tied to check. These are derived from the CCIs shown above.