Active Directory Policies

Prevent remote logon for local accounts with blank password - GPO

In the realm of network security, one critical aspect is ensuring that all accounts, especially those with remote logon capabilities, are secured with strong passwords. Allowing remote logon for local accounts with blank passwords can pose a significant security risk. This article provides a step-by-step guide for system administrators on how to create a Group Policy Object (GPO) to deny remote…
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Active Directory Policies

How to deny anonymous enumeration of SAM accounts using GPO

For system administrators, safeguarding sensitive account information within the Windows environment is crucial. One important aspect of this is preventing the anonymous enumeration of Security Account Manager (SAM) accounts. Unauthorized enumeration of SAM accounts can be a significant security vulnerability, as it may allow attackers to gain information about user accounts and potentially…
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Active Directory Policies

Restrict anonymous access to Shares and Named pipes via GPO

In networked environments, especially in enterprise settings, securing communication channels and shared resources is crucial for maintaining data integrity and privacy. A critical aspect of this security is to prevent anonymous enumeration of Named Pipes and Shares, which can be exploited by unauthorized users to gain sensitive information about network resources. This article provides a…
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Active Directory Policies

GPO to prevent sending unencrypted passwords to Third-Party SMB Servers

In a networked environment, especially in enterprise settings, safeguarding sensitive data, including passwords, is a critical aspect of cybersecurity. One significant risk is the transmission of unencrypted passwords to third-party Server Message Block (SMB) servers. This article provides a detailed guide for system administrators on creating a Group Policy Object (GPO) to prevent the sending of…
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Active Directory Policies

GPO to detect application installations and prompt for Elevation

In an enterprise environment, controlling software installation is vital to maintain system integrity, security, and compliance. Group Policy in Windows provides a powerful way to manage this. One effective approach is to create a Group Policy Object (GPO) that detects application installations and prompts for administrative elevation. This ensures that only authorized applications are installed…
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Active Directory Policies

Automatically deny elevation requests from standard users via GPO

In enterprise environments, maintaining strict control over user privileges is key to ensuring network security and operational efficiency. One aspect of this is managing elevation requests – particularly, automatically denying such requests from standard users. This article will guide system administrators through the process of creating a Group Policy Object (GPO) to achieve this, thereby…
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Active Directory Policies

Configure UAC Behaviour for Admin Approval Mode via GPO

User Account Control (UAC) is a fundamental security feature in Windows environments. It helps mitigate the impact of malware by requiring approval for changes to the system, even when made by administrators. This article provides a comprehensive guide for system administrators on creating a Group Policy Object (GPO) to configure UAC to request approval for elevation, even for administrators…
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Active Directory Policies

Configuring Windows Defender Network Protection via Group Policy

In an increasingly interconnected world, network security is paramount for any organization. Windows Defender Network Protection is a critical feature that helps prevent employees from accessing dangerous domains that might host phishing scams, exploits, and other malicious content on the Internet. Configuring this feature across an enterprise environment can be efficiently managed using Group…
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Active Directory Policies

GPO to block malicious site access on Microsoft Edge

In a digital landscape where web-based threats are constantly evolving, securing the web browsing experience is a top priority for system administrators. Microsoft Edge, being a commonly used browser in many organizations, needs to be configured to safeguard against access to malicious sites. This article provides a detailed, step-by-step guide on creating a Group Policy Object (GPO) to block…
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Active Directory Policies

GPO to block unverified downloads on Microsoft Edge

In today’s digital landscape, one of the key challenges for system administrators is securing web browsers against potentially harmful downloads. Microsoft Edge, a widely used browser in corporate environments, allows administrators to enhance security by blocking unverified downloads. This article will guide you through the process of creating a Group Policy Object (GPO) to block unverified…
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