Windows Server 2019 built-in administrator account must be renamed.
Overview
| Finding ID | Version | Rule ID | IA Controls | Severity |
| V-205909 | WN19-SO-000030 | SV-205909r991589_rule | CCI-000366 | medium |
| Description | ||||
| The built-in administrator account is a well-known account subject to attack. Renaming this account to an unidentified name improves the protection of this account and the system. | ||||
| STIG | Date | |||
| Microsoft Windows Server 2019 Security Technical Implementation Guide | 2025-05-23 | |||
Details
Check Text (C-205909r991589_chk)
Verify the effective setting in Local Group Policy Editor.
Run "gpedit.msc".
Navigate to Local Computer Policy >> Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> Security Options.
If the value for "Accounts: Rename administrator account" is not set to a value other than "Administrator", this is a finding.
For server core installations, run the following command:
Secedit /Export /Areas SecurityPolicy /CFG C:\Path\FileName.Txt
If "NewAdministratorName" is not something other than "Administrator" in the file, this is a finding.
Fix Text (F-6174r356090_fix)
Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> Security Options >> "Accounts: Rename administrator account" to a name other than "Administrator".