2.3.1.5 Configure 'Accounts: Rename guest account'

Information

The built-in local guest account is another well-known name to attackers. It is recommended to rename this account to something that does not indicate its purpose. Even if you disable this account, which is recommended, ensure that you rename it for added security.

Rationale:

The Guest account exists on all computers that run the Windows 2000 or newer operating systems. If you rename this account, it is slightly more difficult for unauthorized persons to guess this privileged user name and password combination.

Impact:

There should be little impact, because the Guest account is disabled by default.

Solution

To establish the recommended configuration, set the following Device Configuration Policy to CISGUEST or another account name:

To access the Device Configuration Policy from the Intune Home page:

Click Devices

Click Configuration profiles

Click Create profile

Select the platform (Windows 10 and later)

Select the profile (Endpoint protection)

Click Create

Enter a Name

Click Next

Configure the following Setting

Path: Endpoint protection/Local device security options/Accounts
Setting Name: Rename guest account
Configuration: Block

Select OK

Continue through the Wizard to complete the creation of the profile (profile assignments, applicability etc.)

Note: More than one configuration setting from each of the Configuration profiles (ex: Administrative Templates, Custom etc.) can be added to each Device Configuration Policy.

Note #2: This setting can also be created via a Custom Configuration Profile using the following OMA-URI:

Name: <Enter name>
Description: <Enter Description>
OMA-URI: ./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/LocalPoliciesSecurityOptions/Accounts_RenameGuestAccount
Data type: String
Value: CISGUEST <or choose admin account name>

Select OK

Default Value:

Guest.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/14664