Today we are going to talk about the hardeningone of the layers of What should you implement to function in a safer computing environmentboth on a personal and business level.
As users we must be aware that each device connected to the Internetregardless of whether it is personal computers, servers or mobile devices, it will always be exposed to eventual attacks of malware.
If this is the first time you hear about the term, don’t worry, reading this article you will find out what Hardening isand also you will know some of its main benefits.
What is Hardening or hardening of a computer system and what is it for?
In the world of Information Technology, and more specifically in the area of Internet browsing security, Hardening or hardening consists of securing a system by means of reduction of vulnerable points to the penetration of unwanted users. These points, often called security holesthey exist mainly because software almost always comes to us with factory settings widespread.
Something understandable if we take into account that they must adapt to a large number of environments in which they can be installed. Seen in this way, you should keep in mind that when buying any computer equipment, it comes default to give prominence to operational aspect regarding security. It is for this reason that your new computer, or the one you are already using, has a username installed. Username and one default password.
In addition to many executable or running services, drivers, instructions and a series of components that you may never need. All of the above comes to make up what is called in Computer Science as attack surfaceor what is the same, the attack surface, from which the for enter your system malicious programs and carry out the theft of .
As you are surely already thinking, the reduction of the attack surface helps to build a barrier between your teams and the possible attackers, so the implementation of a procedure of hardening will help you achieve high levels of secure configuration in each of your teams.
What are the main benefits of hardening an operating system?
If you allow us some advice, we must tell you that it is time to start thinking about performing a Hardening procedure on your equipment, since doing so you will get a host of benefits and advantages.
Among which we can mention the following:
- Your system will be more secure: By reducing the attack surface that cybercriminals can use, you will be counting on a more secure system both actively and passively. This is due, among other things, to the fact that you will be able to implement more secure passwords.
- Performance improvements: Your equipment will be able to work faster, since you are eliminating useless load such as programs, services, users and ports that you do not use.
- Personalization: Your equipment will be configured according to your needs, since Hardening allows you to change the default configurations by the manufacturer of each particular software.
- greater control: At the time of carrying out the procedure, at the same time you are carrying out a complete audit of your system, which leads you to obtain greater control over it.
- Privacy: Helps you avoid information leaks by encrypting data, thereby ensuring their confidentiality.
Learn what are the most important aspects to harden an operating system and make it more secure
carry out a procedure hardening It is a task that requires the most meticulousness possible, and above all do it taking into account your needs. In addition to that, one must always be careful that in the procedure do not disable the basic functions of the system.
The latter means that the person in charge of carrying out the activity, whether you do it on your own or hire a company specialized in providing the service, must know how far security can be implemented without affecting the versatility and usability of each system. Otherwise, there are various ways to restrict unwanted access to your system using a Hardening procedure without compromising its functionality.
For this, it will be necessary to take into account some aspects to be included in the protocol to continue in the activity. To help you in the task, we present some of them below, with which we are sure you will achieve high safety standards through the hardening of your system, and which you can implement totally or partially according to your needs.
Go for it:
Isolate the hardware as much as possible
The best way to achieve this is by establishing secure passwords to start your computer, upgrade the firmware, leave only the main hard drive for system startup. In the case of servers, it is customary to disable optical devices and USBs, for prevent the entry of malware from external physical media.
Operating System Simplification
It is the ideal method to achieve the safe installation of said system, for which it is necessary implement at least two primary partitions, reserving one for the operating system itself and the other for those folders and files that you consider essential. This model of hardening We can define it as classic, since it is the most used to avoid the installation of those system components that are not totally necessary, thus achieving what is known as minimal installation.
Set Remote Access settings
This is without a doubt one of the most vulnerable points in computer systems, which is why more and more users opt for to disable provision when it is not strictly necessary. But in the event that its use becomes essential, you must configure remote access to the PC to avoid some scares. A good option is to establish an encryption channel and minimize concurrent connections.
Block file transfer
The File Transfer Protocol (FTP)is one of the major security holes in computer systems, which is why more and more users opt for block this functionalitywhile implementing software to keep due control about it.
Configure network protocols
The TCP/IP protocol is increasingly vulnerable to attacks, which makes it necessary for you to worry about installing a NAT system to use it in addressing the internal teams of your organization. It is also worth disabling or minimizing the use of network protocols that come by default in the system.
use a firewall
This is one of the most common methods of isolation in Internet networks. Although it will always be necessary that you configure it correctly so that it better fulfills its function of keeping you safe from hackers. To achieve this, it is enough to program it so that they only enter your system what you yourself have explicitly authorized.
Keep security patches up to date
Finally, you should always keep in mind that the hardening, although it is intended for hinder the work Of the possible attackers, they can always find some crack through which they can penetrate your system. For this reason it will always be necessary that you keep updated all the system security settingswithout making a difference between computers, servers, tablets, smartphones or video game consoles, and, why not, smart televisions.
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