Why even bother?
Operating systems and software products are shipped with defaults that fit the majority of their user base. This is not the case for organizations where the security is paramount. Systems Hardening is the process of rigorous feature lock-down in order to reduce the attack surface.
Compliance Requirements
For frameworks like PCI-DSS v4.0 (Req: 2.2.1 on SAQ-D) system hardening is mandatory. On a scale of 1-∞ automation plays important role to enforce security controls, especially when you have to prove to an auditor that you have an established process of of enforcing and maintain system hardening.
Here’s what a typical system hardening process of an operating system includes but not limited to:
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Disable or uninstall unnecessary services.
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Uninstall unnecessary and unsecured clients.
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Enable firewall
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Properly configure network connections.
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Logging
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Access Authentication and Authorization
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Permissions
The benefits
Significant security increase
If you don’t have something it can’t get hacked and you achieve significantly lower attack-surface.
Improved system functionality
Only the necessary services and programs run.
Compliance
Because you demonstrate dedication on enforcing security controls.
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