Active Directory Policies

In a managed IT environment, ensuring the consistency and security of software installations is essential. Allowing regular users to change installation options during the installation of an MSI package can lead to configuration discrepancies and potential security risks. In this article, we will walk through the process of creating a Group Policy Object (GPO) to deny regular users the ability to…

Autoplay is a feature in Windows that automatically executes a predefined action when a new device, such as a USB drive, camera, or phone, is connected to the system. While convenient, it can pose a security risk, particularly in an enterprise environment, as it can lead to the automatic execution of malicious software. This article provides a detailed guide for system administrators on creating a…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…