Hardening Targets - 4.1
Summary
Hardening is the process of securing systems and devices by updating, patching, configuring, and monitoring them to reduce vulnerabilities and minimize the attack surface. The goal is to enhance security across all systems and protect against potential threats.
Notes:
Areas of Hardening
- Mobile Devices: Implement security controls such as encryption, remote wipe, and Mobile Device Management (MDM) to secure corporate and personal devices.
- Desktops and Workstations: Apply security measures like operating system hardening, disabling unused services, regular patching, and endpoint security solutions.
- Infrastructure Hardware (e.g., switches, routers):Harden network infrastructure by implementing access controls, updating firmware, disabling unnecessary features, and securing management interfaces.
- Servers: Apply secure configurations, restrict administrative access, ensure regular updates and patching, and use monitoring solutions to detect potential threats.
- Cloud Infrastructure: Use secure configuration templates, encryption, identity and access management (IAM), and regular monitoring to ensure secure cloud deployments.
- ICS/SCADA (Industrial Control Systems/Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition):Secure critical infrastructure by implementing network segmentation, access controls, monitoring, and patch management while maintaining system availability.
- Embedded Systems: Secure embedded devices by limiting network access, disabling unused features, and ensuring they are updated with the latest firmware and patches.
- Internet of Things (IoT): Apply strong encryption, secure network configurations, and device authentication to protect IoT devices from potential attacks.
- Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS): Ensure RTOS security by minimizing privileges, updating firmware, securing communication channels, and applying proper access control measures.