Indexing of encrypted files must be turned off.

Indexing of encrypted files may expose sensitive data. This setting prevents encrypted files from being indexed.

If the following registry value does not exist or is not configured as specified, this is a finding:

Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Registry Path: \SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Search\

Value Name: AllowIndexingEncryptedStoresOrItems

Value Type: REG_DWORD Value: 0

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Search >> "Allow indexing of encrypted files" to "Disabled".