BREAKING NEWS
EFS Disablement Best Practices Revealed: Expert Insights for Secure Data Protection
[London, UK] – In a shocking revelation, a leading cybersecurity expert has revealed the most effective best practices for disabling the Encrypting File System (EFS) in Windows. As the threat of data breaches and cyber attacks continues to rise, IT professionals are scrambling to find the most secure ways to protect sensitive data.
EFS Disablement Best Practices
According to the expert, disabling EFS requires a multi-step approach to ensure maximum security. Here are the top best practices to follow:
- Use a strong encryption method: Before disabling EFS, ensure that a strong encryption method is used to protect sensitive data. This can include using a reputable encryption software or built-in Windows encryption tools.
- Use a backup and recovery strategy: Having a solid backup and recovery strategy in place is crucial in case of a data loss or corruption. Regular backups and a robust recovery plan can help minimize downtime and data loss.
- Disable EFS for specific files and folders: Instead of disabling EFS for the entire system, consider disabling it for specific files and folders that do not require encryption.
- Use Windows BitLocker: If EFS is not suitable for your organization, consider using Windows BitLocker, a built-in encryption tool that provides robust data protection.
- Regularly update and patch software: Regularly updating and patching software is crucial in preventing vulnerabilities and reducing the risk of data breaches.
Expert Insights
"In today’s digital landscape, data protection is more crucial than ever," said [Expert Name], a leading cybersecurity expert. "Disabling EFS requires a thoughtful and multi-step approach to ensure maximum security. By following these best practices, organizations can minimize the risk of data breaches and protect sensitive information."
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Stay Ahead of the Game
Stay ahead of the game by following these expert-recommended best practices for disabling EFS. By prioritizing data protection and cybersecurity, organizations can minimize the risk of data breaches and protect sensitive information.
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Does anyone disable EFS in their environment or have any best practices recommending it? Has anyone ran across a recommendation on disabling EFS in their environments?
FWIW, I know how to disable it. I am more interested in the theoretical "Is this a common recommendation?"
Now for context!
I was recently a participant in a Microsoft training going over some basic-to-intermediate AD Security topics. Most of it was review for me but one item stood out when we talked about EFS.
Specifically the trainer recommended disabling EFS via Group Policy on every single group policy in the domain. While having it on every policy seems a bit extreme, that isn't where my question lies. I've never seen a recommendation EVER about disabling EFS. I've not seen it in MS baselines, CIS, or DISA STIGs or any other compliance set I've worked through. I've been to conferences, trainings, seminars, etc. and never heard it mentioned. I've had some conversations about security with some big names and it hasn't come up.
I know that MS recommends having Data Recovery Agent keys issued to at least a few of the break-glass type accounts in case you need to decrypt stuff.
I did some looking and I have not found a lot talking about it and nothing specifically recommending it. Event he security articles were saying "Maybe?".
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/tn-archive/cc700811(v=technet.10)?redirectedfrom=MSDN?redirectedfrom=MSDN)
- https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-server-essentials-and/help-secure-your-business-information-using-encrypting-file/ba-p/397386
- https://blog.netwrix.com/2018/09/06/file-server-security-with-fsrm-efs-and-bitlocker/
- https://365labs.cloud/blog/encrypting-file-system-efs-in-windows
I found some references about Ransomware using EFS that seem all based on the same source.
- https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/windows-efs-feature-may-help-ransomware-attackers/
- https://www.zdnet.com/article/antivirus-vendors-scramble-to-fix-new-efs-ransomware-attack/
- https://www.darkreading.com/cyber-risk/new-ransomware-tactic-shows-how-windows-efs-can-aid-attackers
- https://securityintelligence.com/news/efs-ransomware-attacks-overcome-major-antivirus-tools-in-proof-of-concept-tests/
I even asked ChatGPT and Copiolot and all I got was some outdated links and guides on how to turn it off.
Does anyone know of a recommendation or best practice that I'm not finding? Secondly, has anyone run across this before?
View info-news.info by poolmanjim
Living off the land is a strong strategy for attackers. Using EFS means they can fly under the radar. If you don’t use EFS in your environment, it’s a no brainer to disable it. The reason you won’t find a STIG or Benchmark for it is that some organizations do use it and have set up the proper recovery accounts, etc.