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V-278197

CAT II (Medium)

The Windows Server 2025 built-in administrator account must be renamed.

Rule ID

SV-278197r1182315_rule

STIG

Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Version

V1R1

CCIs

CCI-000366

Discussion

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.

Check Content

This applies to member servers and stand-alone or nondomain-joined systems; it is not applicable for domain controllers.

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

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".