Title

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

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.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-29388r2_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-6836

Group Title: Minimum Password Length

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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