Ultimate Guide to Achieve STIG Compliance for Android Devices and Windows PCs

For IT administrators working with US Federal government agencies, defense contractors, or highly regulated industries, "security" isn't just a best practice; it’s a precise standard defined by the Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs).

Compliance is often a manual, painful process. You are likely juggling two distinct environments: Android Tablets (often acting as Kiosks or in the hands of users) and Windows PCs or Laptops (needing full hardening).

The challenge? STIGs contain hundreds of individual checks. Configuring them device-by-device is impossible. This is where 42Gears SureMDM shifts from a management tool to a compliance engine. Here is how you can map SureMDM controls to actual Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) STIG requirements.

Part 1: Hardening Android Devices (The "Lockdown" STIG Approach)

Android devices in federal use cases are often single-purpose (check-in kiosks, logistics scanners). The STIGs for these devices focus heavily on minimizing the attack surface.

The Requirement: Restrict Applications & Peripherals

STIG Concept: Users must not access unauthorized apps, settings, or external storage space.

How SureMDM Solves It:

Instead of fighting individual settings, you use SureLock (Kiosk Mode) within SureMDM to satisfy multiple STIG findings instantly.

• Allowed Applications Only: By applying a SureLock Profile, you effectively "allowlist" only mission-critical apps. This satisfies STIG requirements regarding "Application Blacklisting" by default; if it’s not on the allowlist, it can't run.
• Disable Peripherals: Use SureMDM Profiles to disable USB Debugging, Camera, and External SD Cards.
• Browser Hardening: If your kiosk needs web access, don't use Chrome. Use SureFox, which allows you to allowlist specific URLs. This meets strict web-filtering STIGs without needing an external proxy.

Part 2: Windows PC Compliance (The "Desktop" STIG Approach)

Windows 10/11 STIGs are more complex, focusing on encryption, access control, and audit logs. SureMDM handles this via Windows Profiles and Scripts.

1. Encryption & Integrity (BitLocker)

STIG Check V-220702: "The system must store sensitive data on BitLocker-encrypted drives."

The SureMDM Fix:
Do not rely on users to turn this on.

• Navigate to Profiles > Windows > Security.
• Enable BitLocker Settings.
• Set encryption method to XTS-AES 256-bit (federal standard).
• Automation: SureMDM can enforce this silently and escrow the recovery keys to the console, ensuring you never lose access to a government device.

2. Password & Access Policies

STIG Check V-222536: "The system must enforce password complexity requirements."

The SureMDM Fix:
Use the Passcode Policy Profile.

• Minimum Password Length: Set to 14+ characters (current standard).
• Password Age: Force rotation every 60 days.
• History: Prevent reuse of the last 24 passwords.
• Screen Lock: Auto-lock after 5 minutes of inactivity.

3. Application Control

STIG Check V-73235: "Policy must be configured to prevent the execution of unauthorized software."

The SureMDM Fix:
SureMDM allows you to manage Application Allowlisting. You can push a profile that prevents standard users from running .exe or .msi files from non-program files directories, effectively neutralizing malware that tries to run from Downloads or Temp folders.

Part 3: The "Paper Trail" (Auditing & Reporting)

Compliance is only half the battle; proving it is the other half. When the audit team arrives, you cannot just say "it's secure." You need logs.

SureMDM Compliance Jobs:

You can set up a Compliance Job in SureMDM to monitor your fleet 24/7.

• Rule: "If Device does not have BitLocker Enabled -> Mark as Non-Compliant -> Send Email to Admin -> Automatically Block Email Access."
• Reporting: Generate a System Health Report exportable to CSV. This report maps directly to your STIG checklist, showing which devices have the correct OS version, encryption status, and password policy applied.

Summary: Mapping Your Controls

STIG Domain	SureMDM Feature
Access Control	Password Policy Profile (Complex passwords, rotation)
Data at Rest	BitLocker Management (Windows) / Storage Encryption (Android)
Software Restriction	SureLock (Android Kiosk) / App Allowlisting (Windows)
Peripherals	Peripheral Control Profile (Disable USB / Camera/Bluetooth)
Vulnerability Mgmt	OS Update Management (Force patch installs)

Ready to Harden Your Fleet?

STIG compliance doesn't have to be a manual nightmare. By leveraging SureMDM’s profiles and SureLock’s kiosk capabilities, you can turn a 400-page requirement document into a set of profiles and review at regular intervals to make sure everything is intact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is STIG compliance?                                                                                                     
Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIG) compliance is the process of configuring devices to meet cybersecurity standards defined by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) for US federal agencies, defense contractors, and government vendors. These standards specify how systems must be hardened to protect sensitive government and defense data.

Why is STIG compliance important for Android devices and Windows PCs?
STIG compliance reduces security risks, protects sensitive data, and ensures Android devices and Windows PCs meet US federal and defense security requirements. It also helps organizations pass audits and avoid compliance failures.

How can organizations achieve STIG compliance for Android and Windows devices?
Organizations can achieve STIG compliance by enforcing encryption, strong password policies, application restrictions, and device hardening settings across Android and Windows devices using centralized device management tools like SureMDM.

How can STIG compliance be automated for Android devices and Windows PCs?                
STIG compliance can be automated using SureMDM, which applies STIG-aligned security profiles, monitors compliance continuously, and generates audit-ready reports for Android devices and Windows PCs.