Details

This policy setting controls whether Microsoft Query files (.iqy, oqy, .dqy, and .rqy) in an untrusted location are prevented from opening.

If you enable this policy setting, Microsoft Query files in an untrusted location are prevented from opening. Users will not be able to change this setting under File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > External Content.

If you disable or dont configure this policy setting, Microsoft Query files in an untrusted location are not prevented from opening, unless users have changed this setting in the Trust Center.

Note: This policy setting only applies to subscription versions of Office, such as Office 365 ProPlus.

Solution

Policy Path: Microsoft Excel 2016Excel OptionsSecurityTrust CenterExternal Content
Policy Setting Name: Always prevent untrusted Microsoft Query files from opening

Supportive Information

The following resource is also helpful.

• https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-security-baselines/security-baseline-for-office-365-proplus-v1908-sept-2019-final/ba-p/873084

This security hardening control applies to the following category of controls within NIST 800-53: System and Communications Protection.This control applies to the following type of system Windows.

References

• 800-53|SC-18b.

Source

• Tenable.com/audits