API Reference: Windows CIS Benchmark Hardening
CIS Benchmark Sections
| Section |
Topic |
| 1 |
Account Policies (passwords, lockout) |
| 2 |
Local Policies (audit, user rights, security options) |
| 9 |
Windows Firewall |
| 17 |
Advanced Audit Policy |
| 18 |
Administrative Templates |
| 19 |
User Configuration |
PowerShell Commands
Password Policy
Audit Policy
Firewall Status
Registry Checks
Key Registry Settings
| Path |
Value |
Recommended |
HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa\LmCompatibilityLevel |
DWORD |
5 (NTLMv2 only) |
HKLM\...\Policies\System\EnableLUA |
DWORD |
1 (UAC enabled) |
HKLM\...\LanManServer\Parameters\SMB1 |
DWORD |
0 (disabled) |
HKLM\...\Policies\System\ConsentPromptBehaviorAdmin |
DWORD |
2 |
Password Policy Settings
| Setting |
CIS Recommendation |
| Minimum length |
>= 14 characters |
| Maximum age |
<= 365 days |
| Minimum age |
>= 1 day |
| Complexity |
Enabled |
| Lockout threshold |
<= 5 attempts |
| Lockout duration |
>= 15 minutes |
Advanced Audit Policy
| Subcategory |
Recommended |
| Credential Validation |
Success and Failure |
| Logon/Logoff |
Success and Failure |
| Account Management |
Success |
| Process Creation |
Success |
| Policy Change |
Success |
GPO Export and Analysis
Export GPO
Secedit Export
Automated Tools
Microsoft Security Compliance Toolkit
CIS-CAT
Windows Optional Features
Check SMBv1
Disable SMBv1