Server hardening is a process that secures, essentially “hardening” a server infrastructure reducing the attack surface, which encompasses all potential entry points that unauthorized attackers could exploit. The objective is to enhance protection, minimize vulnerability and improve security posture. Achieving security and compliance requires implementing server hardening as an essential prerequisite. Server hardening is a proactive process that involves.

The Network Time Protocol (NTP) was developed in the 1980s to address the growing need for time synchronization between an individual’s computer or device and others on the same network. The Windows NTP (Network Time Protocol) client is a component of the Windows operating system responsible for synchronizing the system’s clock with a time server on the internet or a local network.

In a network each user, whether verified or not, is given a security identifier (SID), a virtual name tag. This unique identifier helps with managing users, giving administrators the ability to control on an individual level the rights and permissions of users, authentication and providing an overall level of security. A SID also hides private information of users such as the real names of the accounts, adding an additional layer of protection.

User rights permissions regulate access to computer and domain resources, with the ability to override permissions set on specific objects. Managed in Group Policy, each user right has a constant name as well as a Group Policy name associated with it. The constant names are used when referring to the user right in log events. In this section, they’re referred to as user rights, but they’re commonly known as privileges.

With the rise of cyber threats and the increasing volume of sensitive data being transmitted over networks, organizations must prioritize the use of cryptographic algorithms that meet stringent standards for security and reliability. One such standard is FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standards) compliance, which ensures that cryptographic algorithms adhere to the rigorous criteria set forth by the U.S. government.

January 2020 is when the Department of Defense (DoD) released the Cyber Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework, aimed at evaluating and strengthening the cybersecurity readiness of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). As per the DoD’s directive, all prime contractors and subcontractors within the supply chain must undergo auditing and certification under the CMMC framework.

AutoAdminLogon is a Windows registry setting which automates the logon process of a specific user account during system startup, bypassing the typical login screen. Enabling this setting streamlines the startup process, being particularly useful in scenarios where a system needs to boot up and immediately launch specific applications or services without manual intervention.

Kerberos stands as the default authentication protocol facilitating secure service requests between trusted devices within a network. It has been an integral component of Windows Active Directory (AD) environments since the era of Windows 2000. When a user logs into their computer, Kerberos undertakes mutual authentication, ensuring both the user and the server validate their identities.

In today’s digitally interconnected world, where data flows freely across networks and devices, ensuring its security is paramount. This is where system cryptography steps in, offering a suite of tools and techniques to safeguard sensitive information from prying eyes and malicious actors. Let’s delve deeper into the realm of system cryptography, exploring its intricacies and significance in modern computing.

Many ask, what is Kerberos? Kerberos is an authentication protocol. It is designed for client-server applications and requires mutual verification. It is the default protocol used for logging into a Windows machine that is part of a domain, relies on a secure communication channel between the client and the Domain Controller (DC). Windows updates address security concerns such as vulnerabilities in this channel, ensuring that the user database stored on the DC is protected.