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Windows Server 2016 built-in administrator account must be renamed.


Overview

Finding ID Version Rule ID IA Controls Severity
V-225026 WN16-SO-000030 SV-225026r569186_rule Medium
Description
The built-in administrator account is a well-known account subject to attack. Renaming this account to an unidentified name improves the protection of this account and the system.
STIG Date
Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Security Technical Implementation Guide 2022-03-01

Details

Check Text ( C-26717r465980_chk )
Verify the effective setting in Local Group Policy Editor.

Run "gpedit.msc".

Navigate to Local Computer Policy >> Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> Security Options.

If the value for "Accounts: Rename administrator account" is not set to a value other than "Administrator", this is a finding.

For server core installations, run the following command:

Secedit /Export /Areas SecurityPolicy /CFG C:\Path\FileName.Txt

If "NewAdministratorName" is not something other than "Administrator" in the file, this is a finding.
Fix Text (F-26705r465981_fix)
Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> Security Options >> "Accounts: Rename administrator account" to a name other than "Administrator".