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WN11-AC-000025 The maximum password age must be configured to 180 days or less.

DISA STIG library V2R11
All changes in this version
first version loaded CAT II

Maps to IA-5(1) via CCI-004066, CCI-000199

Title

The maximum password age must be configured to 180 days or less.

Control

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 the "Maximum password age" is greater than "180" days, this is a finding. If the value is set to "0" (never expires), this is a finding.

Discussion

The longer a password is in use, the greater the opportunity for someone to gain unauthorized knowledge of the passwords. Scheduled changing of passwords hinders the ability of unauthorized system users to crack passwords and gain access to a system.

Related controls

CCI-000199, CCI-004066

Fix

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Account Policies >> Password Policy >> "Maximum Password Age" to "180" days or less (excluding "0" which is unacceptable).