2.3.7.1 Ensure 'Interactive logon: Do not require CTRL+ALT+DEL' is set to 'Disabled'

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Information

This policy setting determines whether users must press CTRL+ALT+DEL before they log on.

The recommended state for this setting is: Disabled.

Rationale:

Microsoft developed this feature to make it easier for users with certain types of physical impairments to log on to computers that run Windows. If users are not required to press CTRL+ALT+DEL, they are susceptible to attacks that attempt to intercept their passwords. If CTRL+ALT+DEL is required before logon, user passwords are communicated by means of a trusted path.

An attacker could install a Trojan horse program that looks like the standard Windows logon dialog box and capture the user's password. The attacker would then be able to log on to the compromised account with whatever level of privilege that user has.

Impact:

Users must press CTRL+ALT+DEL before they log on to Windows unless they use a smart card for Windows logon. A smart card is a tamper-proof device that stores security information.

Solution

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

Computer Configuration\Policies\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Local Policies\Security Options\Interactive logon: Do not require CTRL+ALT+DEL

Default Value:

On Windows 7 or older: Disabled.

On Windows 8.0 or newer: Enabled.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/3714