18.10.42.10.1 (L1) Ensure 'Scan all downloaded files and attachments' is set to 'Enabled'

Information

This policy setting configures scanning for all downloaded files and attachments.

The recommended state for this setting is: Enabled

When running an antivirus solution such as Microsoft Defender Antivirus, it is important to ensure that it is configured to heuristically monitor in real-time for suspicious and known malicious activity.

Solution

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

Computer Configuration\Policies\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Microsoft Defender Antivirus\Real-Time Protection\Scan all downloaded files and attachments

Note: This Group Policy path may not exist by default. It is provided by the Group Policy template WindowsDefender.admx/adml that is included with the Microsoft Windows 8.1 & Server 2012 R2 Administrative Templates (or newer).

Impact:

None - this is the default behavior.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/16913

Item Details

Category: SYSTEM AND INFORMATION INTEGRITY

References: 800-53|SI-3, CSCv7|8.1

Plugin: Windows

Control ID: 7e88ed40223c37937dc0a029457c31a5164bd96ca832e883f3e2adf32c43f6b7