Indexing of encrypted files must be turned off.
Overview
| Finding ID | Version | Rule ID | IA Controls | Severity |
| V-220855 | WN10-CC-000305 | SV-220855r958478_rule | Medium |
| Description |
| Indexing of encrypted files may expose sensitive data. This setting prevents encrypted files from being indexed. |
| STIG | Date |
| Microsoft Windows 10 Security Technical Implementation Guide | 2025-02-25 |
Details
| Check Text (C-22570r555050_chk) |
| If the following registry value does not exist or is not configured as specified, this is a finding: Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Registry Path: \SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Search\ Value Name: AllowIndexingEncryptedStoresOrItems Value Type: REG_DWORD Value: 0 |
| Fix Text (F-22559r555051_fix) |
| Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Search >> "Allow indexing of encrypted files" to "Disabled". |