Joel D. Kinard CISSP, CIAM, EIT
 205 Airport Road
 Monroe , NC 28110
Email address = jdkinard@gmail.com


Logon Security Banner

Every workstation and server needs a logon security banner.  Such a message can serve as extra legal footing in case a system is compromised.  Someone could use the computer to steal credit card or other confidential data, commit a crime or otherwise damage a network or system, or perhaps deface a web site.  If the warning is in place, potential intruders were advised concerning the legal implications of their actions before they first attempt to log on.

To create a banner from this example, copy the entire bold red paragraph below into a text file, including the first line: "Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00". Save the edited paragraph into a Notepad (text) file, but make sure to give it a ".REG" extension  (not ".TXT").

Find the fictitious company name "Joel's PC Warehouse" (in two places) in the bold red paragraph, and change it to the name of your company.  Then locate the initials JPCW (in two places) and replace those letters with your own company information. 

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system]
"legalnoticecaption"="!! WARNING from Joel's PC Warehouse !!"
"legalnoticetext"="This is a private computer system and is the property of JPCW.  It is for authorized use only.  Users (authorized or unauthorized) have no explicit or implicit expectation of privacy.  Any or all uses of this system and all files on this system may be intercepted, monitored, recorded, copied, audited, inspected, and disclosed to authorized JPCW and law enforcement personnel.  By using this system, the user consents to such interception, monitoring, recording, copying, auditing, inspection, and disclosure.  Unauthorized or improper use of this system may result in administrative disciplinary action and civil and criminal penalties.  By continuing to use this system you indicate your awareness of and consent to these terms and conditions of use.  DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LOG ON if you do not agree to the conditions stated in this warning.  Click OK below to accept these terms."

Then launch the file by double-clicking it (in Windows 2000/2003, 2008, 2012, 2016, Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 10).  To confirm you want to add the warning, a confirmation box appears: "Are you sure you want to add the information in C:\Filename.REG to the registry?".  If you click Yes, the warning will be copied into the registry.  Then log off and back on to check the message.  

Note:  If your computer uses the standard Windows login dialogue box, where you must first press Control+Alt+Delete to log on, this message will appear each time those keys are pressed.  In order to log on you MUST click OK - there is no other option.  If the requirement to press Control+Alt+Delete to log on has been removed, the message will remain on the screen indefinitely after boot up.  You must agree to the warning before the computer will present the Windows login dialogue box, and allow you to log on to the computer.