This repository contains a comprehensive set of hardening strategies tailored to enhance the security of seven key platforms and operating systems. By applying these strategies, system administrators and security professionals can mitigate risks, ensure compliance with best practices, and improve overall system integrity and resilience against cyber threats.
The strategies include specific recommendations for configuring critical system settings, securing cloud environments, protecting data, and maintaining compliance with industry standards such as CIS (Center for Internet Security) benchmarks.
Description:
Google Cloud Platform provides a broad suite of cloud computing services that offer infrastructure, platform, and software solutions for developers, businesses, and organizations. As a leading cloud provider, securing Google Cloud instances is essential to protect sensitive data and systems.
Hardening Strategy:
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enforce MFA to add an additional layer of security to user logins.
- Database Flags Configuration: Enable key database flags like
log_durationandlog_min_messagesto improve performance monitoring and security auditing. - Firewall Rules: Enforce restrictive firewall policies to limit access to only trusted sources.
- Cloud SQL & DNS Security: Implement database performance tracking and disable weak cipher suites in DNSSEC settings.
Key Configuration Steps:
- Enabling Cloud SQL database flags for better monitoring.
- Enforcing separation of duties and access control for cloud services.
Description:
AWS is a powerful cloud platform offering a wide range of services such as computing power, storage, and database management. Securing AWS environments is critical for preventing data breaches and unauthorized access to resources.
Hardening Strategy:
- CloudTrail in All Regions: Enable AWS CloudTrail across all regions to log management events and enhance monitoring.
- S3 Bucket Encryption: Ensure that S3 buckets are encrypted by default to protect data at rest.
- IAM Policy Hardening: Limit the privileges granted to IAM users and enforce strong role-based access controls.
- Encryption of EBS Volumes: Ensure that all Amazon Elastic Block Store (EBS) volumes are encrypted by default.
Key Configuration Steps:
- Enabling CloudTrail for activity tracking.
- Encrypting data and enforcing least privilege access for users.
Description:
iOS and iPadOS are the operating systems for Apple's mobile devices. Hardening these devices is essential to prevent unauthorized access and protect sensitive data stored on the device.
Hardening Strategy:
- Disable Screenshots and Screen Recording: Restricting these functions prevents the unintentional or malicious capture of sensitive information.
- VPN Configuration: Ensure secure VPN connections are set up to encrypt data transmitted over the network.
- App Restrictions: Disable the ability to install untrusted enterprise apps and enforce app-specific restrictions for security.
- Password Management: Enforce stronger passcode policies and disable simple passcodes.
Key Configuration Steps:
- Using Apple Configurator to deploy security policies.
- Restricting app installations and configuring VPN connections.
Description:
Cisco IOS is a widely used network operating system for Cisco devices like routers and switches. Properly configuring security settings in Cisco IOS is vital for maintaining secure network communications and preventing unauthorized access.
Hardening Strategy:
- Logging Configuration: Enable system logging to capture critical network activities for auditing and troubleshooting.
- BGP Authentication: Configure BGP authentication (
neighbor password) to ensure secure routing updates between routers. - Time Synchronization: Configure NTP with trusted keys to ensure accurate timekeeping across network devices.
- Access Control: Set up proper inbound access control lists (ACLs) to filter malicious traffic.
Key Configuration Steps:
- Enabling logging and setting appropriate severity levels.
- Securing BGP routing with authentication and time synchronization.
Description:
Windows 10 Enterprise is designed for large organizations and enterprises, offering enhanced security features and management tools. Hardening Windows 10 ensures that the system is protected against external threats and internal misuse.
Hardening Strategy:
- BitLocker Encryption: Use BitLocker to encrypt the entire disk and protect data at rest.
- Service Hardening: Disable unnecessary services and ensure only required services are running.
- Password Policies: Enforce strong password complexity and account lockout policies to prevent unauthorized access.
- Windows Defender and Antivirus: Ensure Windows Defender and antivirus programs are configured and running to protect against malware.
Key Configuration Steps:
- Encrypting drives with BitLocker.
- Disabling unneeded services and enhancing authentication policies.
Description:
RHEL 8 is a powerful Linux distribution used by enterprises for mission-critical workloads. Hardening RHEL 8 involves securing the system, improving resilience, and maintaining compliance with security standards.
Hardening Strategy:
- Service Management: Disable unnecessary services and ensure only essential services are active.
- SELinux Enforcement: Enforce SELinux to provide mandatory access control (MAC) and mitigate the risk of unauthorized access.
- Secure Repositories: Use secure repositories to ensure the integrity of installed packages.
- System Auditing: Enable auditing to track system events and ensure compliance with security policies.
Key Configuration Steps:
- Enforcing SELinux and configuring secure repositories.
- Implementing audit logging for security monitoring.
Description:
SUSE Linux is another widely used enterprise Linux distribution known for its stability and performance. Hardening SUSE Linux focuses on system security, data protection, and service management.
Hardening Strategy:
- AppArmor Security: Enable AppArmor for application-level security and isolation.
- Secure Updates: Configure secure update mechanisms to ensure patches are applied regularly.
- Service Restrictions: Restrict unnecessary services to reduce the attack surface.
- Firewall Configuration: Enforce firewall rules to protect network interfaces and restrict unauthorized access.
Key Configuration Steps:
- Enabling AppArmor for application security.
- Configuring firewall rules and restricting unnecessary services.
This repository provides detailed hardening strategies for securing key platforms and operating systems. These strategies include best practices for ensuring system integrity, protecting sensitive data, and preventing unauthorized access. Implementing these recommendations will significantly improve the security posture of your systems and help maintain compliance with industry standards.
By following these platform-specific hardening strategies, organizations can reduce their exposure to cyber threats, maintain secure environments, and ensure their systems are resilient to evolving attack vectors.
Fortifying Foundations: 20 Key Hardening Strategies
- CIS Amazon Web Services Foundations Benchmark v1.4.0
- CIS Apple iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 Benchmark v1.0.0
- CIS Cisco IOS 16 Benchmark v1.1.1
- CIS Google Cloud Platform Foundation Benchmark v1.2.0
- CIS Microsoft Windows 10 Enterprise Release 20H2 Benchmark v1.10.1
- CIS Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 Benchmark v1.0.1
- CIS SUSE Linux Enterprise 15 Benchmark v1.0.0