18.6.20.2 Ensure 'Prohibit access of the Windows Connect Now wizards' is set to 'Enabled' - Enabled

Information

This policy setting prohibits access to Windows Connect Now (WCN) wizards.

The recommended state for this setting is: Enabled.

Rationale:

Allowing standard users to access the Windows Connect Now wizard increases the risk and attack surface.

Impact:

The WCN wizards are turned off and users have no access to any of the wizard tasks. All the configuration related tasks including 'Set up a wireless router or access point' and 'Add a wireless device' are disabled.

Solution

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

Computer Configuration\Policies\Administrative Templates\Network\Windows Connect Now\Prohibit access of the Windows Connect Now wizards

Note: This Group Policy path may not exist by default. It is provided by the Group Policy template WindowsConnectNow.admx/adml that is included with the Microsoft Windows 8.0 & Server 2012 (non-R2) Administrative Templates (or newer).

Default Value:

Disabled. (Users can access all WCN wizard tasks.)

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/12668