The Art of System Hardening - A Comprehensive Guide

Calendar 12 January 2013
Development
System Hardening, Database, Security, Operating Systems, Virtual Machine, Network Security

Download the Complete Guide to System Hardening#

Introduction to System Hardening#

System hardening is the art of strengthening your computing environment against potential threats. At its core, the philosophy is about implementing the principle of ’least privilege.’ This involves:

  • Knowing exactly what services and applications need to run on a system
  • Creating documentation that outlines policy, standards, and guidelines
  • Securely configuring operating systems, virtual servers, and software
  • Managing application settings to enhance security
  • Streamlining database setup and configuration
  • Securing network devices and portable equipment

Why Platform Hardening Matters#

Platforms, such as servers or databases, are the foundation of your data infrastructure. Their integrity is crucial for the secure, reliable transfer and storage of information. As a best practice, ensure that your platforms are configured and maintained to repel unauthorized access and service interruptions.