The Windows Server 2025 setting Microsoft network client: Digitally sign communications (always) must be configured to Enabled.
Severity | Group ID | Group Title | Version | Rule ID | Date | STIG Version |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| medium | V-278210 | SRG-OS-000423-GPOS-00187 | WN25-SO-000160 | SV-278210r1181336_rule | 2026-02-20 | 1 |
Description
The server message block (SMB) protocol provides the basis for many network operations. Digitally signed SMB packets aid in preventing man-in-the-middle attacks. If this policy is enabled, the SMB client will only communicate with an SMB server that performs SMB packet signing.
Satisfies: SRG-OS-000423-GPOS-00187, SRG-OS-000424-GPOS-00188
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: \SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanWorkstation\Parameters\
Value Name: RequireSecuritySignature
Value Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 0x00000001 (1)
✔️ Fix
Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> Security Options >> Microsoft network client: Digitally sign communications (always) to "Enabled".