1.8.1.3 Ensure 'Update Automatic Links at Open' is set to Disabled

Information

Checks/unchecks the corresponding UI option. The recommended state for this setting is: Disabled . By default, when users open documents Word automatically updates any links to external content, such as graphics, Excel worksheets, and PowerPoint slides. To disable automatic updating, the user can click the Office Button, click Word Options, click Advanced, scroll to the General section, and then clear the Update automatic links at open check box. If Word is configured to automatically update links when documents are open, document content can change without the user's knowledge, which could put important information at risk.

Solution

To implement the recommended configuration state, set the following Group Policy setting to Disabled. User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Microsoft Word 2016\Word Options\Advanced\Update Automatic Links at Open Impact: Disabling this setting might cause disruptions for users who work with Word documents that contain external content. Consider educating users on the methods for updating links manually.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/557

Item Details

Category: SYSTEM AND COMMUNICATIONS PROTECTION

References: 800-53|SC-18(3)

Plugin: Windows

Control ID: e8929552229c7999d3d39797a6f08e31eb6f8755831c980043afc1de156cdadc