STIGQter: STIG Summary: Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Security Technical Implementation Guide Version: 1 Release: 2 Benchmark Date: 01 Jul 2026:

Windows Server 2025 users must be required to enter a password to access private keys stored on the computer.

DISA Rule

SV-278229r1181393_rule

Vulnerability Number

V-278229

Group Title

SRG-OS-000067-GPOS-00035

Rule Version

WN25-SO-000350

Severity

CAT II

CCI(s)

• CCI-000186 - For public key-based authentication, enforce authorized access to the corresponding private key.

Weight

10

Fix Recommendation

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 on the computer to "User must enter a password each time they use a key".

Check Contents

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\Cryptography\

Value Name: ForceKeyProtection

Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 0x00000002 (2)

Vulnerability Number

V-278229

Documentable

False

Rule Version

WN25-SO-000350

Severity Override Guidance

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\Cryptography\

Value Name: ForceKeyProtection

Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 0x00000002 (2)

Check Content Reference

M

Target Key

5719