Hardened UNC Paths

This policy setting configures secure access to UNC paths.

If you enable this policy, Windows only allows access to the specified UNC paths after fulfilling additional security requirements.

Supported on: At least Windows Vista

Specify hardened network paths. In the name field, type a fully-qualified UNC path for each network resource. To secure all access to a share with a particular name, regardless of the server name, specify a server name of '*' (asterisk). For example, "\\*\NETLOGON". To secure all access to all shares hosted on a server, the share name portion of the UNC path may be omitted. For example, "\\SERVER". In the value field, specify one or more of the following options, separated by commas: 'RequireMutualAuthentication=1': Mutual authentication between the client and server is required to ensure the client connects to the correct server. 'RequireIntegrity=1': Communication between the client and server must employ an integrity mechanism to prevent data tampering. 'RequirePrivacy=1': Communication between the client and the server must be encrypted to prevent third parties from observing sensitive data.

Hardened UNC Paths:

Registry HiveHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Registry PathSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\NetworkProvider\HardenedPaths
Value Name{number}
Value TypeREG_SZ
Default Value

You should require both Integrity and Mutual Authentication for any UNC paths that host executable programs, script files, or files that control security policies. Consider hosting files that do not require Integrity or Privacy on separate shares from those that absolutely need such security for optimal performance. For additional details on configuring Windows computers to require additional security when accessing specific UNC paths, visit http://support.microsoft.com/kb/3000483.


networkprovider.admx

Administrative Templates (Computers)

Administrative Templates (Users)