The operating system must store only encrypted representations of passwords.

STIG ID: SRG-OS-000073-GPOS-00041  |  SRG: SRG-OS-000073 |  Severity: medium |  CCI: CCI-000196 |  Vulnerability Id: V-203629 | 

Vulnerability Discussion

Passwords need to be protected at all times, and encryption is the standard method for protecting passwords. If passwords are not encrypted, they can be plainly read (i.e., clear text) and easily compromised.

Check

Verify the operating system stores only encrypted representations of passwords. If it does not, this is a finding.

Fix

Configure the operating system to store only encrypted representations of passwords.