Windows Server 2025 Windows Remote Management (WinRM) client must not use Basic authentication.

Basic authentication uses plain-text passwords that could be used to compromise a system. Disabling Basic authentication will reduce this potential.

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: \SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WinRM\Client\

Value Name: AllowBasic

Type: REG_DWORD Value: 0x00000000 (0)

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Windows Remote Management (WinRM) >> WinRM Client >> Allow Basic authentication to "Disabled".