Windows Server 2019 setting Microsoft network server: Digitally sign communications (always) must be configured to Enabled.

Overview

Finding IDVersionRule IDIA ControlsSeverity
V-205827WN19-SO-000190SV-205827r958908_ruleCCI-002418medium
Description
The server message block (SMB) protocol provides the basis for many network operations. Digitally signed SMB packets aid in preventing man-in-the-middle attacks. If this policy is enabled, the SMB server will only communicate with an SMB client that performs SMB packet signing. Satisfies: SRG-OS-000423-GPOS-00187, SRG-OS-000424-GPOS-00188
STIGDate
Microsoft Windows Server 2019 Security Technical Implementation Guide2025-05-23

Details

Check Text (C-205827r958908_chk)

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: \SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanManServer\Parameters\ Value Name: RequireSecuritySignature Value Type: REG_DWORD Value: 0x00000001 (1)

Fix Text (F-6092r355844_fix)

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> Security Options >> "Microsoft network server: Digitally sign communications (always)" to "Enabled".