2.2.4.1.2 Ensure 'Ask to update automatic links' is set to 'Enabled'

Information

This policy setting controls whether Excel prompts users to update automatic links, or whether the updates occur in the background with no prompt.

The recommended state for this setting is: Enabled.

Rationale:

When users open documents Excel automatically updates any links to external content, such as graphics, Excel worksheets, and PowerPoint slides. If Excel is configured to automatically update links when documents are open, document content can change without the user's knowledge, which could put important information at risk.

Impact:

Users who work with Excel documents that contain external content will not be able to automatically update that content.

Solution

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

User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Microsoft Excel 2016\Excel Options\Advanced\Ask to Update Automatic Links

Default Value:

Enabled. (Excel will prompt users to update.)

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/12129

Item Details

Category: CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT

References: 800-53|CM-6b.

Plugin: Windows

Control ID: 55682e014c80a61be00ce9faf28db8719358df046d24cdf9c77be40361cdf3bd