OS hardening refers to the process of enhancing the security of an operating system by implementing various measures and practices to minimize vulnerabilities and strengthen its resistance against potential cyber threats and attacks. This involves configuring the OS settings, applying security patches, disabling unnecessary services, and implementing access controls to create a more robust and secure computing environment.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a US government agency that develops standards and guidelines for cybersecurity and technology. The purpose of these guidelines is to protect sensitive information, especially for those companies working with the government.

The OpenSCAP (Security Content Automation Protocol) project offers an extensive range of hardening guides, configuration baselines, and tools for assessing vulnerabilities and configuration issues, utilizing SCAP as the protocol for storing the foundational data. Created by the open-source community, OpenSCAP hardening allows a selection of a security policy that aligns with an organization’s needs, irrespective of its size.

The NIS2 Directive is the European Union’s flagship cybersecurity law, poised to significantly strengthen cyber defenses across the EU when it takes effect on 17 October 2024. This upgraded version of the 2016 NIS Directive (NIS1) not only introduces stricter rules but also broadens its reach, covering more sectors and businesses, ensuring comprehensive protection and a stronger security posture.

Australia aims to be the world leader in cyber security by 2030 using the Australian Cyber Security Strategy that was released on 22 November 2023. With the cost of cybercrime on Australian businesses growing by up to 14% per annum, the Cyber Security Strategy seeks to improve cyber security, manage cyber risks and better support citizens and Australian businesses to manage their cyber environment by using six cyber shields and actions to be taken.

In February 2022, the Center for Internet Security (CIS) released the Microsoft Windows Server 2022 Benchmark v1.0.0, which includes over 50 new features, Group Policy Objects (GPOs), capabilities, and services. The document compares Server 2019 and Server 2022 for their similarities and differences, as well as Windows 11 and Windows 10.

IIS hardening can be a time-consuming and challenging process. PowerShell can help you achieve hardened IIS security settings to some extent, but it still requires hours of testing to ensure that nothing is broken. CSS by CalCom can automate the IIS hardening process with its unique ability to “Learn” your network, eliminating the need for lab testing while ensuring zero outages to your production environment.

System hardening involves identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities across hardware, firmware, software, applications, passwords, and processes. Compatibility allows most applications to work smoothly, but securing a system requires additional steps known as system hardening best practices, which are crucial for protection against advanced threats. Microsoft emphasizes server security and provides comprehensive hardening techniques and best practices tailored to various platforms.

Hardened Baseline Configuration is a crucial aspect of system security for cybersecurity experts and the risk management teams. The secure baseline configuration represents a set of security controls that have been carefully selected and implemented to provide a robust general level of system hardening. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and specific configurations will vary depending on the type of system (server, desktop, etc.), role and its intended use.

Windows Remote Desktop Service(RDS) in Microsoft Windows allows users to control a remote computer or virtual machine over a network using the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). To secure this access, it’s crucial to implement strong passwords to prevent brute force attacks and unauthorized access.