Disable insecure "NetBios" protocol

Overview

About this script

This script improves your privacy on Windows.

These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.

This script enhances your network's security by turning off NetBIOS over TCP/IP for all network interfaces.

NetBIOS is a protocol primarily used for backward compatibility with older Windows systems 1 2. NetBIOS and LLMNR are susceptible to hacking techniques like spoofing 1 2 3 4 5 and man-in-the-middle attacks 1 2 6, risking your credentials and unauthorized network access 2 5 6.

NetBIOS was initially created for communication between applications in small networks 1 3 5 7. Its lack of authentication makes it easy for attackers to redirect traffic or fake network services 1 2 3 4 5 6.

Disabling NetBIOS helps protect against these security risks and reduces the exposure of Windows-specific services to potential attackers.

The script disables NetBIOS by changing a specific registry values (HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\NetBT\Parameters\Interfaces\{Interface}!NetbiosOptions 1 8) from their default of 0 (enabled) 5 to 2 (disabled) 5 8 for each network interface.

Caution

This may cause compatibility issues with older devices or software.

This script uses Batch (batchfile) scripting language.

Safe for General Use

This script is recommended for all users. It helps to improve privacy without affecting stability.

Implementation Details

• Language: batch

• Required Privileges: Administrator rights

• Compatibility: Windows only

• Reversibility: Can be undone using provided revert script

Explore Categories

Disable insecure protocols

This action belongs to Disable insecure protocols category. This category focuses on enhancing user privacy by disabling legacy and insecure communication protocols. It targets protocols that expose users to security vulnerabilities due to their outdated nature. Retaining obsolete protocols creates a false sense of security because they may seem secure... Read more on category page ▶

Disable insecure connections

This action belongs to Disable insecure connections category. This category includes scripts designed to enhance users' security and privacy by disabling outdated or vulnerable connections across the system. It safeguards data against interception, unauthorized access, and attacks that exploit outdated technology vulnerabilities, including... Read more on category page ▶

Improve network security

This action belongs to Improve network security category. This category is dedicated to improving network security. It aims to minimize vulnerabilities by offering various settings that improve the integrity and confidentiality of data transmitted over the network. It features a range of measures to protect data transmission from unauthorized access,... Read more on category page ▶

Security improvements

This action belongs to Security improvements category. This category encompasses a range of scripts designed to improve the security of your system by enforcing security best practices. These scripts help protect your system against various types of cyber threats and unauthorized access. Read more on category page ▶

Apply now

Choose one of three ways to apply:

1. Automatically via privacy.sexy: The easiest and safest option.
2. Manually by downloading: Requires downloading a file.
3. Manually by copying: Advanced flexibility.

Alternative 1. Apply with Privacy.sexy

privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily.

Open privacy.sexy

You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using the application.

privacy.sexy instructions

1. Open or download the desktop application
2. Search for the script name: Disable insecure "NetBios" protocol.
3. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
4. Click on Run button at the bottom of the page.

Alternative 2. Download

Irreversible Changes

This script is irreversible, meaning there is no straightforward method to restore changes once applied. Exercise caution before running, restoring it may not be possible.

1. Download the script file by clicking on the button below:

   Download script

2. Run the script file by clicking on it.

Download revert script

This file restores your system to its original state, before this script is applied.

Download restore script

Alternative 3. Copy

This is for advanced users. Consider automatically applying or downloading the script for simpler way.

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.

HELP: Step-by-step guide

1. Click on Start menu

   Windows 11

   

   Windows 10

   

2. Type cmd

   Windows 11

   

   Windows 10

   

3. Right click on Command Prompt select Run as administrator

   Windows 11

   

   Windows 10

   

4. Click on Yes to run Command Prompt

   Windows 11

   

   Windows 10

   

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Windows 11

Windows 10

2. Copy the following code:

Code to apply changes

PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$key = 'HKLM:SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\NetBT\Parameters\Interfaces'; Get-ChildItem $key | ForEach { Set-ItemProperty -Path "^""$key\$($_.PSChildName)"^"" -Name NetbiosOptions -Value 2 -Verbose; }"

3. Right click on command prompt to paste it.
4. Press Enter to apply remaining code.

Copy restore code

Copy and run the following code to restore changes:

Revert code

PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$key = 'HKLM:SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\NetBT\Parameters\Interfaces'; Get-ChildItem $key | ForEach { Set-ItemProperty -Path "^""$key\$($_.PSChildName)"^"" -Name NetbiosOptions -Value 0 -Verbose; }"

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