19.1.3.2 Ensure 'Force specific screen saver: Screen saver executable name' is set to 'Enabled: scrnsave.scr'

Information

This policy setting specifies the screen saver for the user's desktop.

The recommended state for this setting is: Enabled: scrnsave.scr.

Note: If the specified screen saver is not installed on a computer to which this setting applies, the setting is ignored.

Rationale:

If a user forgets to lock their computer when they walk away, it is possible that a passerby will hijack it. Configuring a timed screen saver with password lock will help to protect against these hijacks.

Impact:

The system displays the specified screen saver on the user's desktop. The drop-down list of screen savers in the Screen Saver dialog in the Personalization or Display Control Panel will be disabled, preventing users from changing the screen saver.

Solution

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

User Configuration\Policies\Administrative Templates\Control Panel\Personalization\Force specific screen saver

Note: This Group Policy path may not exist by default. It is provided by the Group Policy template ControlPanelDisplay.admx/adml that is included with the Microsoft Windows 7 & Server 2008 R2 Administrative Templates (or newer).

Default Value:

Disabled. (Users can select any screen saver.)

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/4022