18.10.60.5 Ensure 'Allow indexing of encrypted files' is set to 'Disabled'

Information

This policy setting controls whether encrypted items are allowed to be indexed. When this setting is changed, the index is rebuilt completely. Full volume encryption (such as BitLocker Drive Encryption or a non-Microsoft solution) must be used for the location of the index to maintain security for encrypted files.

The recommended state for this setting is: Disabled.

Rationale:

Indexing and allowing users to search encrypted files could potentially reveal confidential data stored within the encrypted files.

Impact:

None - this is the default behavior.

Solution

To establish the recommended configuration, set the following Device Configuration Policy to Disabled

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 (Custom)

Click Create

Enter a Name

Click Next

Configure the following Setting

Name: <Enter name>
Description: <Enter Description>
OMA-URI: ./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Search/AllowIndexingEncryptedStoresOrItems
Data type: Integer
Value: 0

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.

Default Value:

Disabled. (Search service components (including non-Microsoft components) are expected not to index encrypted items or encrypted stores.)

See Also

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