5.16 Ensure 'Peer Networking Grouping (p2psvc)' is set to 'Disabled'

Information

Enables multi-party communication using Peer-to-Peer Grouping.

The recommended state for this setting is: Disabled.

Rationale:

Peer Name Resolution Protocol is a distributed and (mostly) serverless way to handle name resolution of clients with each other. In a high security environment, it is more secure to rely on centralized name resolution methods maintained by authorized staff.

Solution

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

Computer Configuration\Policies\Windows Settings\Security Settings\System Services\Peer Networking Grouping

Impact:

Some applications, such as HomeGroup, may not function.

Default Value:

Manual

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/2550