Title

Microsoft Defender AV must be configured to prevent user and apps from accessing dangerous websites. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

Enable Microsoft Defender Exploit Guard network protection to prevent employees from using any application to access dangerous domains that may host phishing scams, exploit-hosting sites, and other malicious content on the internet.

Check Content

This setting is applicable starting with v1709 of Windows 10, it is NA for prior versions. Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Microsoft Defender Antivirus >> Microsoft Defender Exploit Guard >> Network Protection >> "Prevent users and apps from accessing dangerous websites" is set to "Enabled” and "Block" is selected in the drop-down box. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Windows Defender Exploit Guard\Network Protection Criteria: If the value "EnableNetworkProtection" is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix Text

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Microsoft Defender Antivirus >> Windows Defender Exploit Guard >> Network Protection >> "Prevent users and apps from accessing dangerous websites" to "Enabled" and select "Block" in the drop-down box.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-213463r823095_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-213463

Group Title: SRG-APP-000210

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

Controls tied to check. These are derived from the CCIs shown above.