Rule version ACF2-ES-000860 · STIG v9 · 2026-09-01
Use of a complex password helps to increase the time and resources required to compromise the password. Password complexity, or strength, is a measure of the effectiveness of a password in resisting attempts at guessing and brute-force attacks.
Password complexity is one factor of several that determines how long it takes to crack a password. The more complex the password, the greater the number of possible combinations that need to be tested before the password is compromised.
From the ISPF Command Shell enter: ACF to enter ACF2 Command shell enter SET CONTROL(GSO)
LIST PSWD
If "NOPSWDLC" is listed, this is a finding.
Configure the GSO option "PSWDLC" to "YES".