Windows Server 2025 must have software certificate installation files removed.

Use of software certificates and their accompanying installation files for end users to access resources is less secure than the use of hardware-based certificates.

Search all drives for *.p12 and *.pfx files.

If any files with these extensions exist, this is a finding.

This does not apply to server-based applications that have a requirement for .p12 or .pfx certificate files. Some applications create files with extensions of .p12 or .pfx that are not certificate installation files. Removal of noncertificate installation files from systems is not required. These must be documented with the information system security officer (ISSO).

Remove any certificate installation files (*.p12 and *.pfx) found on a system.

Note: This does not apply to server-based applications that have a requirement for .p12 or .pfx certificate files.