Each setting can be found at Computer Configuration/Windows Settings/Local Policies/Security Options. There are ten specific ways that we can configure UAC. To simplify our environment, we are going to confine are UAC configuration to a single policy. In Group Policy Management Console, create a new Group Policy Object (GPO) name UAC Configuration. To do this, we will use the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC), part of the Remote Server Administration Toolkit (RSAT). Now that you are able to run UAC without breaking existing processes, you will likely want a central way to manage it. In our environment, most red applications could be substituted for a similar compatible program. You will want to upgrade, substitute, or discontinue these programs. While they may not all be UAC related, it would be wise to address them now. Finally, you will have your red applications. These modifications can include special file/registry permissions or an installed SHIM. These applications are known to work with UAC but may require some modifications. You will probably notice some yellow applications that have additional notes. If the application runs as expected, you can reclassify it as a green application. You will want to run each application on a test computer with UAC turned on. The normal cause of this warning is lack of information. Software that is coded yellow has potential problems. Any software marked as green can be excluded from your report as it is fully compatible (and has been externally tested to ensure this). The three compatibility levels are green, yellow, and red. In other words, a standard user can use it. ACT will automatically color code your software inventory based on its compatibility.įor an application to be fully compatible with Windows 7 and Windows 8, it must not trigger UAC when regularly used. If desired, you can easily expand the scope to your entire organization. After deploying the ACT client, you will be able to see every software and driver installed in your environment. If you do not have this information, you can download Microsoft’s Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT). Next, you will need an accurate report of software used in your environment. This setting was either set in a deployed custom image or was changed by Group Policy.īefore enabling UAC, you will want to establish a test group containing a sample of your environment. In the vast majority of cases that I’ve seen, UAC was initially turned off by an IT administrator. If your organization runs with UAC turned off, clearly identify why this was done. Managing UACīy default, UAC is automatically enabled from Windows Vista and above. With UAC, you are in charge of the speed controls. Before UAC, you drove at 150 MPH and would crash. Why is this bad though? Imagine that you have a new car. Applications that only needed standard rights were always ran with maximum permissions. It didn’t matter if it was a background process (such as spooler or search) or a foreground process (such as Explorer or Notepad). If you were an administrator, every process was running with the keys to your system. Every application, every process ran in the same security context as the logged in user. Remember when Windows Vista was released? Remember the backlash against the interface changes, driver support, and User Account Control (UAC)? It was pretty brutal! I will gladly admit (as I did then) that I really liked Vista. Let’s make life a little easier! A Little UAC History In this article, we are going to walk through User Account Control (UAC) and AppLocker, and best practices for implementing them. In our organization, we went from regularly having 50+ new viruses a day, to zero infections over a two year period. Rest assured, this pattern can be broken – and broken with two built-in technologies. You get infected, you clean it, you get infected (again), you clean it (again). For many, computer viruses and malware are a way of life.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |