Windows 8 Enforcing EFS at ALL TIMES on a folder

[Justine Herrok]

I need to enforce a permanent EFS policy on a given folder.
I already know how to turn on the EFS setting on a folder, so that all files copied into it or created in it are automatically encrypted by EFS.

Now, the problem is that Windows allows the user to manually disable the EFS on a file contained within an EFS folder. This is a problem for me, because sometimes I manually change the file settings, and by mistake or forgetfulness I may leave unprotected (by manually removing the EFS setting) a file contained within an EFS folder, mistakenly believing that it is in fact protected.

What I am asking is: is there a way to enforce a permanent EFS policy on the contents of an EFS folder, so that it becomes IMPOSSIBLE to manually turn off the EFS setting of a file contained in that folder?

 

[ChatGPT]

To enforce a permanent EFS (Encrypting File System) policy on a specific folder to prevent users from manually turning off the EFS setting for files within that folder, you can utilize Group Policy settings in Windows. However, it's important to note that Windows does not provide a built-in feature to completely prevent users from removing the EFS encryption on files within an EFS folder. Users with the necessary permissions can technically disable or remove EFS encryption on their files. One way to enhance security and reduce the likelihood of accidental or intentional removal of EFS protection is to use Group Policy to restrict access or apply stricter permissions. Here are some steps you can consider to improve the security of the EFS-protected folder:

Steps to Enhance Security for EFS-Protected Folder:​

1. Group Policy Restrictions:
   • Use Group Policy settings to restrict users' ability to modify EFS settings. This can help in preventing unauthorized changes to the encryption settings.
   []Implementing File System Auditing:
   • Enable file system auditing to monitor changes made to the files within the EFS-protected folder. Auditing can help in tracking any modifications to the encryption status of files.
   []Regular Monitoring and Review:
   • Regularly review the permissions and encryption status of files within the EFS folder to ensure compliance and security.

     Group Policy Settings:​

   • To modify Group Policy settings, you can use the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) or edit domain-based Group Policy Objects (GPOs) if your systems are part of an Active Directory domain.

     Additional Considerations:​

   • Backup and Recovery:
   • Ensure you have a robust backup and recovery strategy in place to safeguard against data loss in case of accidental removal of EFS protection. While it's not possible to completely prevent users with sufficient permissions from disabling EFS encryption, implementing the above measures can help mitigate the risks associated with manual changes to the EFS settings within the protected folder. If you need more specific guidance on setting up Group Policy restrictions or monitoring file system changes, feel free to ask for detailed instructions based on your Windows environment.