18.10.40.1 (L2) Ensure 'Allow Message Service Cloud Sync' is set to 'Disabled'

Information

This policy setting allows backup and restore of cellular text messages to Microsoft's cloud services.

The recommended state for this setting is: Disabled

In a high security environment, data should never be sent to any third-party since this data could contain sensitive information.

Solution

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

Computer Configuration\Policies\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Messaging\Allow Message Service Cloud Sync

Note: This Group Policy path may not exist by default. It is provided by the Group Policy template Messaging.admx/adml that is included with the Microsoft Windows 10 Release 1709 Administrative Templates (or newer).

Impact:

Cellular text messages will not be backed up to (or restored from) Microsoft's cloud services.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/17971