Microsoft Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security STIG Version Comparison

There are 4 differences between versions v1 r7 (April 27, 2018) (the "left" version) and v2 r2 (Nov. 9, 2023) (the "right" version).

Check WNFWA-000001 was changed between these two versions. Green, underlined text was added, red, struck-out text was removed.

The regular view of the left check and right check may be easier to read.

Title

The Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security must be enabled when connected to a domain.

Check Content

If the system is not a member of a domain, the Domain Profile requirements can be marked NA. If the following policy-based registry value exists and is not configured as specified, this is a finding. Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Registry Path: \SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsFirewall\DomainProfile\ Value Name: EnableFirewall Type: REG_DWORD Value: 0x00000001 (1) If the policy-based registry value does not exist, verify the following registry value. If it is not configured as specified, this is a finding. Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Registry Path: \SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy\DomainProfile\ Value Name: EnableFirewall Type: REG_DWORD Value: 0x00000001 (1)

Discussion

A firewall provides a line of defense against attack. To be effective, it must be enabled and properly configured. This setting enables the firewall when connected to the domain.

Fix

The preferred method of configuring the firewall settings is with a policy, particularly in a domain environment. Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration -> >> Windows Settings -> >> Security Settings -> >> Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security -> >> Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security -> >> Windows Defender Firewall Properties (this link will be in the right pane) -> >> Domain Profile Tab -> tab >> State, "Firewall state" to "On (recommended)". In addition to using policies, systems may also be configured using the firewall GUI or Netsh commands. These methods may be more appropriate for standalone systems. The systems. The configuration settings in the GUI are the same as those specified in the policy above. Windows Microsoft Defender Firewall Properties will be a link in the center pane after opening Windows Microsoft Defender Firewall with Advanced Security. The following Netsh commands may also be used to configure this setting: "Netsh setting: "Netsh advfirewall set domainprofile state on". Or "Netsh on". or "Netsh advfirewall set allprofiles state on".