9.3.4 Ensure 'Windows Firewall: Public: Settings: Display a notification' is set to 'No'

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Information

Select this option to have Windows Firewall with Advanced Security display notifications to the user when a program is blocked from receiving inbound connections.

The recommended state for this setting is: No.

Rationale:

Some organizations may prefer to avoid alarming users when firewall rules block certain types of network activity. However, notifications can be helpful when troubleshooting network issues involving the firewall.

Impact:

Windows Firewall will not display a notification when a program is blocked from receiving inbound connections.

Solution

To establish the recommended configuration via GP, set the following UI path to 'No':

Computer Configuration\Policies\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Windows Firewall with Advanced Security\Windows Firewall with Advanced Security\Windows Firewall Properties\Public Profile\Settings Customize\Display a notification

Default Value:

Yes. (Windows Firewall with Advanced Security will display a notification when a program is blocked from receiving inbound connections.)

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/3784