18.10.43.10.1 Ensure 'Scan all downloaded files and attachments' is set to 'Enabled'

Information

This policy setting configures scanning for all downloaded files and attachments.

The recommended state for this setting is: Enabled.

Rationale:

When running an antivirus solution such as Microsoft Defender Antivirus, it is important to ensure that it is configured to heuristically monitor in real-time for suspicious and known malicious activity.

Impact:

None - this is the default behavior.

Solution

To establish the recommended configuration via GP, set the following UI path to Enabled:

Computer Configuration\Policies\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Microsoft Defender Antivirus\Real-Time Protection\Scan all downloaded files and attachments

Note: This Group Policy path may not exist by default. It is provided by the Group Policy template WindowsDefender.admx/adml that is included with the Microsoft Windows 8.1 & Server 2012 R2 Administrative Templates (or newer).

Default Value:

Enabled. (All downloaded files and attachments will be scanned.)

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/15290

Item Details

Category: SYSTEM AND INFORMATION INTEGRITY

References: 800-53|SI-3, CSCv7|8.1

Plugin: Windows

Control ID: a3d6a9e029ed99e0af7b0e7aed9e4913d860aa7ae9ab2873ff4308c72fbd0f2b