77.1 (L1) Ensure 'Allow widgets' is set to 'Not allowed'

Information

This policy setting specifies whether the Widgets feature is allowed on the device. The Widgets feature provides information such as, weather, news, sports, stocks, traffic, and entertainment (not an inclusive list).

The recommended state for this setting is: Not allowed

Due to privacy concerns, apps and features such as Widgets on the Windows taskbar should be treated as a possible security risk due to the potential of data being sent back to third-parties, such as Microsoft.

Solution

To establish the recommended configuration via configuration profiles, set the following Settings Catalog path to Not Allowed

Widgets\Allow widgets

Impact:

The Widgets feature on the Windows taskbar will not be available on the device.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/16853

Item Details

Category: CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT

References: 800-53|CM-6, 800-53|CM-7

Plugin: Windows

Control ID: 948f39a4cd565fce80d9a32fc159e9b967be0b840d12c6fbff4412e5468b9af3