Network Access: Microsoft network Client: Digitally sign communications (always) must be configured to Enabled

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The server message block (SMB) protocol provides the basis for many network operations. Digitally signed SMB packets aid in preventing man-in-the-middle attacks. If this policy is enabled, the SMB client will only communicate with an SMB server that performs SMB packet signing.

Remediation

To fix this configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> Security Options >> "Microsoft network client: Digitally sign communications (always)" to "Enabled".

STIG: Server 2019: https://www.stigviewer.com/stig/windows_server_2019/2020-06-15/finding/V-93555
https://www.stigviewer.com/stig/microsoft_windows_server_2019/2022-03-01/finding/V-205825
Server 2016: https://www.stigviewer.com/stig/microsoft_windows_server_2016/2022-03-01/finding/V-225039

NIST 800-53: SC-12(2),SC-12(3),SC-13
NIST 800-171 Rev2: 3.13.11
NIST 800-171A: 3.8.6, 3.13.11
CMMC v2.0 Mapping v1.02: SC.3.177
CMMC V2.0 Level 2: SC.L2-3.13.11
CMMC v2.0 Level 3: SC.L2-3.13.11, TBD - 3.14.1e
CSA CMM v4: CEK-01, CEK-02, CEK-03, CEK-04, DSP-10, LOG-10, LOG-11
PCI DSS 3.2: 2.2.3, 4.1
PCI DSS 4.0: 3.3.2, 8.3.2, 12.3.3
SIG: D.7.5.1
STIG: SRG-OS-000423-GPOS-00187, SRG-OS-000424-GPOS-00188

NOTE: Modifying this setting may affect compatibility with clients that does not support SMBv2, like old OS Windows XP or outdated windows 7