18.5.20.2 Ensure 'Prohibit access of the Windows Connect Now wizards' is set to '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/files/3345