STIGQter: STIG Summary: Microsoft Windows 11 Security Technical Implementation Guide Version: 2 Release: 8 Benchmark Date: 01 Jul 2026:

Reversible password encryption must be disabled.

DISA Rule

SV-253305r1051046_rule

Vulnerability Number

V-253305

Group Title

SRG-OS-000073-GPOS-00041

Rule Version

WN11-AC-000045

Severity

CAT I

CCI(s)

• CCI-004062 - For password-based authentication, store passwords using an approved salted key derivation function, preferably using a keyed hash.

Weight

10

Fix Recommendation

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Account Policies >> Password Policy >> "Store passwords using reversible encryption" to "Disabled".

Check Contents

Verify the effective setting in Local Group Policy Editor.
Run "gpedit.msc".

Navigate to Local Computer Policy >> Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Account Policies >> Password Policy.

If the value for "Store password using reversible encryption" is not set to "Disabled", this is a finding.

Vulnerability Number

V-253305

Documentable

False

Rule Version

WN11-AC-000045

Severity Override Guidance

Verify the effective setting in Local Group Policy Editor.
Run "gpedit.msc".

Navigate to Local Computer Policy >> Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Account Policies >> Password Policy.

If the value for "Store password using reversible encryption" is not set to "Disabled", this is a finding.

Check Content Reference

M

Target Key

5471