Details
This policy setting specifies whether Search Companion should automatically download content updates during local and Internet searches.
The recommended state for this setting is: Enabled.
Rationale:
There is a small risk that users will unknowingly reveal sensitive information because of the topics they are searching for. This risk is very low because even if this setting is enabled users still must submit search queries to the desired search engine in order to perform searches.
Solution
To establish the recommended configuration via GP, set the following UI path to Enabled:
Computer ConfigurationPoliciesAdministrative TemplatesSystemInternet Communication ManagementInternet Communication settingsTurn off Search Companion content file updates
Note: This Group Policy path is provided by the Group Policy template ICM.admx/adml that is included with all versions of the Microsoft Windows Administrative Templates.
Impact:
Search Companion does not download content updates during searches.
Note: Internet searches will still send the search text and information about the search to Microsoft and the chosen search provider. If you select Classic Search, the Search Companion feature will be unavailable. You can select Classic Search by clicking Start, Search, Change Preferences, and then Change Internet Search Behavior.
Default Value:
Disabled. (Search Companion downloads content updates unless the user is using Classic Search.)
References:
CCE-36884-5
Supportive Information
The following resource is also helpful.
This security hardening control applies to the following category of controls within NIST 800-53: Security Assessment and Authorization, Configuration Management.This control applies to the following type of system Windows.