Browser must retain history on exit.

From Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Part of DTBI760-IE11-Browser history on exit

Associated with IA controls: ECSC-1

Associated with: CCI-000169

SV-59695r1_rule Browser must retain history on exit.

Vulnerability discussion

Delete Browsing History on exit automatically deletes specified items when the last browser window closes. Disabling this function will prevent users from deleting their browsing history, which could be used to identify malicious websites and files that could later be used for anti-virus and Intrusion Detection System (IDS) signatures. Furthermore, preventing users from deleting browsing history could be used to identify abusive web surfing on government systems.

Check content

The policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Internet Explorer -> Delete Browsing History -> 'Allow deleting browsing history on exit' must be 'Disabled'. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Privacy Criteria: If the value "ClearBrowsingHistoryOnExit" is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix text

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Internet Explorer -> Delete Browsing History -> 'Allow deleting browsing history on exit' to 'Disabled'.

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