Title

Users are not required to enter a password to access private keys. (Cat II impact)

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.

Check Content

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”.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-29733r1_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-4444

Group Title: Strong Key Protection

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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