18.8.5.1 (NG) Ensure 'Turn On Virtualization Based Security' is set to 'Enabled'

Information

This policy setting specifies whether Virtualization Based Security is enabled. Virtualization Based Security uses the Windows Hypervisor to provide support for security services.
The recommended state for this setting is: Enabled.
Note: Virtualization Based Security requires a 64-bit version of Windows with Secure Boot enabled, which in turn requires that Windows was installed with a UEFI BIOS configuration, not a Legacy BIOS configuration. In addition, if running Windows on a virtual machine, the hardware-assisted CPU virtualization feature (Intel VT-x or AMD-V) must be exposed by the host to the guest VM.
More information on system requirements for this feature can be found at this link:
Windows Defender Credential Guard Requirements (Windows 10) | Microsoft Docs
Rationale:
Kerberos, NTLM, and Credential manager isolate secrets by using virtualization-based security. Previous versions of Windows stored secrets in the Local Security Authority (LSA). Prior to Windows 10, the LSA stored secrets used by the operating system in its process memory. With Windows Defender Credential Guard enabled, the LSA process in the operating system talks to a new component called the isolated LSA process that stores and protects those secrets. Data stored by the isolated LSA process is protected using virtualization-based security and is not accessible to the rest of the operating system.

Solution

To establish the recommended configuration via GP, set the following UI path to Enabled:
Computer Configuration\Policies\Administrative Templates\System\Device Guard\Turn On Virtualization Based Security
Impact:
Warning: All drivers on the system must be compatible with this feature or the system may crash. Ensure that this policy setting is only deployed to computers which are known to be compatible.
Default Value:
Disabled.
CIS Controls:
Version 6
16.14 Encrypt/Hash All Authentication Files And Monitor Their Access
Verify that all authentication files are encrypted or hashed and that these files cannot be accessed without root or administrator privileges. Audit all access to password files in the system.
Version 7
16.4 Encrypt or Hash all Authentication Credentials
Encrypt or hash with a salt all authentication credentials when stored.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/2288