9.3.4 Ensure 'Windows Firewall: Public: Settings: Display a notification' is set to 'Block'

Information

Select this option to have Windows Firewall with Advanced Security display notifications to the user when a program is blocked from receiving inbound connections.

The recommended state for this setting is: Block.

Rationale:

Some organizations may prefer to avoid alarming users when firewall rules block certain types of network activity. However, notifications can be helpful when troubleshooting network issues involving the firewall.

Impact:

Windows Firewall will not display a notification when a program is blocked from receiving inbound connections.

Solution

To establish the recommended configuration, set the following Device Configuration Policy to Block:

To access the Device Configuration Policy from the Intune Home page:

Click Devices

Click Configuration profiles

Click Create profile

Select the platform (Windows 10 and later)

Select the profile (Endpoint protection)

Click Create

Enter a Name

Click Next

Configure the following Setting

Path: Endpoint protection/Microsoft Defender Firewall/Public (non-discoverable) network
Setting Name: Inbound notifications
Configuration: Block

Select OK

Continue through the Wizard to complete the creation of the profile (profile assignments, applicability etc.)

Note: More than one configuration setting from each of the Configuration profiles (ex: Administrative Templates, Custom etc.) can be added to each Device Configuration Policy.

Default Value:

Yes. (Windows Firewall with Advanced Security will display a notification when a program is blocked from receiving inbound connections.)

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/14664

Item Details

Category: SYSTEM AND COMMUNICATIONS PROTECTION

References: 800-53|SC-7, 800-53|SC-7(5), CSCv7|9.4, CSCv7|11.2

Plugin: Windows

Control ID: 994882fda3a24466ad9a5cf505069ef5271032a7f05ad39b1a87c8d6dd6ef5d5