Manages Internet SCSI (iSCSI) sessions from this computer to remote target devices. The recommended state for this setting is: Disabled. Rationale: This service is critically necessary in order to directly attach to an iSCSI device. However, iSCSI itself uses a very weak authentication protocol (CHAP), which means that the passwords for iSCSI communication are easily exposed, unless all of the traffic is isolated and/or encrypted using another technology like IPsec. This service is generally more appropriate for servers in a controlled environment then on workstations requiring high security.
Solution
To establish the recommended configuration via GP, set the following UI path to: Disabled. Computer Configuration\Policies\Windows Settings\Security Settings\System Services\Microsoft iSCSI Initiator Service Impact: The computer will not be able to directly login to or access iSCSI targets. Default Value: Manual CIS Controls: Version 6 9.1 Limit Open Ports, Protocols, and Services Ensure that only ports, protocols, and services with validated business needs are running on each system. Version 7 9.2 Ensure Only Approved Ports, Protocols and Services Are Running Ensure that only network ports, protocols, and services listening on a system with validated business needs, are running on each system.