18.8.34.6.2 Ensure 'Allow network connectivity during connected-standby (plugged in)' is set to 'Disabled'

Information

This policy setting allows you to control the network connectivity state in standby on modern standby-capable systems.

The recommended state for this setting is: Disabled.

Rationale:

Disabling this setting ensures that the computer will not be accessible to attackers over a WLAN network while left unattended, plugged in and in a sleep state.

Solution

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

Computer Configuration\Policies\Administrative Templates\System\Power Management\Sleep Settings\Allow network connectivity during connected-standby (plugged in)

Note: This Group Policy path may not exist by default. It is provided by the Group Policy template Power.admx/adml that is included with the Microsoft Windows 10 Release 1607 & Server 2016 Administrative Templates (or newer).

Impact:

Network connectivity in standby (while plugged in) is not guaranteed. This connectivity restriction currently only applies to WLAN networks only, but is subject to change (according to Microsoft).

Default Value:

Enabled. (Network connectivity will be maintained in standby while plugged in.)

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/2646