BaselineWatch
Desk

WN22-AC-000010 Windows Server 2022 account lockout duration must be configured to 15 minutes or greater.

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

Maps to AC-7 via CCI-002238

Title

Windows Server 2022 account lockout duration must be configured to 15 minutes or greater.

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 >> Account Lockout Policy. If the "Account lockout duration" is less than "15" minutes (excluding "0"), this is a finding. For server core installations, run the following command: Secedit /Export /Areas SecurityPolicy /CFG C:\Path\FileName.Txt If "LockoutDuration" is less than "15" (excluding "0") in the file, this is a finding. Configuring this to "0", requiring an administrator to unlock the account, is more restrictive and is not a finding.

Discussion

The account lockout feature, when enabled, prevents brute-force password attacks on the system. This parameter specifies the period of time that an account will remain locked after the specified number of failed logon attempts.

Related controls

CCI-002238

Fix

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Account Policies >> Account Lockout Policy >> Account lockout duration to "15" minutes or greater. A value of "0" is also acceptable, requiring an administrator to unlock the account.