Windows Server 2025 Windows Remote Management (WinRM) client must not allow unencrypted traffic.
Severity | Group ID | Group Title | Version | Rule ID | Date | STIG Version |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| medium | V-278126 | SRG-OS-000393-GPOS-00173 | WN25-CC-000480 | SV-278126r1181084_rule | 2026-02-20 | 1 |
Description
Unencrypted remote access to a system can allow sensitive information to be compromised. Windows remote management connections must be encrypted to prevent this.
Satisfies: SRG-OS-000393-GPOS-00173, SRG-OS-000394-GPOS-00174
ℹ️ Check
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: AllowUnencryptedTraffic
Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 0x00000000 (0)
✔️ Fix
Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Windows Remote Management (WinRM) >> WinRM Client >> Allow unencrypted traffic to "Disabled".