Windows Server 2025 networked systems must have and implement OpenSSH to protect the confidentiality and integrity of transmitted and received information, as well as information during preparation for transmission.

Without protection of the transmitted information, confidentiality and integrity may be compromised because unprotected communications can be intercepted and either read or altered. This requirement applies to both internal and external networks and all types of information system components from which information can be transmitted (e.g., servers, mobile devices, notebook computers, printers, copiers, scanners, and facsimile machines). Communication paths outside the physical protection of a controlled boundary are exposed to the possibility of interception and modification. Protecting the confidentiality and integrity of organizational information can be accomplished by physical means (e.g., employing physical distribution systems) or logical means (e.g., employing cryptographic techniques). If physical means of protection are employed, logical means (cryptography) do not have to be employed, and vice versa. Satisfies: SRG-OS-000423-GPOS-00187, SRG-OS-000424-GPOS-00188, SRG-OS-000425-GPOS-00189, SRG-OS-000426-GPOS-00191

If OpenSSH is not installed on the system, this requirement is not applicable. Verify that "OpenSSH" is installed with the following command: C:\ > Get-WindowsCapability -Online | Where-Object Name -like 'OpenSSH*' Name : OpenSSH.Client~~~~0.0.1.0 State : Installed Name : OpenSSH.Server~~~~0.0.1.0 State : Installed If installed, verify the service is active with the following command: C:\ > Get-Service sshd Status Name DisplayName ----- ----- ------------- Running sshd OpenSSH SSH Server If OpenSSH is installed and the "sshd" service is not "Running", this is a finding.

To install and start the OpenSSH service, run the following commands: C:\ > Add-WindowsCapability -Online -Name OpenSSH.Server~~~~0.0.1.0 C:\ > Start-Service sshd C:\ > Set-Service -Name sshd -StartupType 'Automatic'