18.9.11.3.17 (BL) Ensure 'Deny write access to removable drives not protected by BitLocker' is set to 'Enabled'

Information

This policy setting configures whether BitLocker protection is required for a computer to be able to write data to a removable data drive.

All removable data drives that are not BitLocker-protected will be mounted as read-only. If the drive is protected by BitLocker, it will be mounted with read and write access.

The recommended state for this setting is: Enabled.

Rationale:

Users may not voluntarily encrypt removable drives prior to saving important data to the drive.

Solution

To establish the recommended configuration via GP, set the following UI path to Enabled:

Computer Configuration\Policies\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\BitLocker Drive Encryption\Removable Data Drives\Deny write access to removable drives not protected by BitLocker

Impact:

All removable data drives that are not BitLocker-protected will be mounted as read-only. If the drive is protected by BitLocker, it will be mounted with read and write access.

Default Value:

Disabled. (All removable data drives on the computer will be mounted with read and write access.)

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/1721