Network Access: Unencrypted passwords must not be sent to third-party Server Message Block (SMB) servers

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Some non-Microsoft SMB servers only support unencrypted (plain-text) password authentication. Sending plain-text passwords across the network when authenticating to an SMB server reduces the overall security of the environment. Check with the vendor of the SMB server to determine if there is a way to support encrypted password authentication.

Remediation

To fix this configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> Security Options >> "Microsoft Network Client: Send unencrypted password to third-party SMB servers" to "Disabled".

Stig Server: https://www.stigviewer.com/stig/windows_server_2019/2020-06-15/finding/V-93469
Stig Desktop: https://www.stigviewer.com/stig/windows_10/2021-08-18/finding/V-220926