IT (information technology) systems provide the foundation of many commercial & industrial corporate enterprises.
These consist of server hardware, network setups, and software programs required to run businesses and provide clients great value.
Therefore, these businesses should make safeguarding themselves from the constant threat of cyberattacks a top concern. One method to guarantee these systems’ operational effectiveness is system hardening.
System hardening is essential because one of the areas most exposed to cyberattacks is the network attack surface of a business or individual. Hackers, viruses, and other cyber threats may be able to access sensitive data held by a firm through entry points on the attack surface. Companies can minimize their exposure to cyber threats and the possibility that a cyber threat will obtain access to their network by hardening their systems.
What system-hardening standards are there?
Several tech-related groups have developed standards or guidelines for system hardening. A section on best practices for businesses wishing to successfully implement system hardening is frequently included in these standards. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) suggests the following as recommended practices for system hardening, illustration:
- Planning for system security
- Taking care of systems sustainability
- Removing or turning off any services, network protocols, and apps your company no longer requires.
- Updating or installing fixes for the operating systems on your network
- Utilizing authentication and encryption techniques
3 best practices for hardening systems
Develop a plan for hardening your systems: You do not have to harden all of your systems at once. Instead, develop a strategy and plan based on the risks found in your IT ecosystem, and then utilize a staged approach to fix the most serious issues.
Network hardening: Check that your firewall is correctly configured, that all rules are regularly audited, that remote access points and users are secure, that any open network ports are blocked, that unnecessary protocols and services are disabled and removed, and that access lists are in place, and that network traffic is encrypted.
Database hardening: Enable node checking to confirm users and applications; set admin limitations on what users can do in a database, such as by limiting privileged access; create role-based access control (RBAC) privileges, encrypt database information both in transit and at rest, enforce safe password policies, and delete unused accounts;
Operating system hardening: Automatically apply patches, service packs, and updates; exclude any extraneous software, services, libraries, drivers, and driver functionality; lock down local storage; limit the permissions on the registry and other systems; record all activity, mistakes, and alerts; place privileged user controls in place.
If possible, use automation
Automate as many of your organization’s computing tools, systems, processes, and software programs as possible. Some programs and operating systems can automatically update or install patches as soon as they are made available. To help ensure that your entire network is always as safe as possible, enable as many of these automation functions as possible.
Develop new system-hardening strategies
Recognize that your system hardening requirements and strategies might evolve over time. Attackers and cyber dangers may frequently adapt their techniques more successfully to breach networks. As your organization evolves, changes, or expands, your company’s network structure, procedures, or priorities may also change. To provide your employees and organization with the finest cyber protection, treat system hardening at your company as an ongoing activity rather than a one-time exercise.
Now you have a whole idea about system hardening and its importance for your business securities. Consul AK Techno Solution expert and solve this problem as a team!