Server hardening refers to the steps taken to reduce security risks and vulnerabilities on operating systems (OS) and applications running on servers. Hardening improves the security of servers by removing unnecessary software, closing open ports, enabling proper authentication and access controls, and following best practices around configuration and monitoring.

 

Properly hardening servers is a critical part of any organization’s security strategy. Unhardened servers can more easily be compromised by attackers, leading to data breaches, malware infections, denial of service attacks, and other security incidents. Weak default configurations, missing patches, and poor access controls give attackers an open door into servers. Hardened servers help protect against known vulnerabilities and make it more difficult for attackers to gain access or move laterally if they do breach the network.

 

Server hardening also demonstrates security due diligence and compliance with regulations like PCI DSS that require proper system configuration. Organizations that fail to harden internet-facing servers and properly manage vulnerabilities may face fines, lawsuits, and loss of customer trust in the event of a breach. With cyber attacks on the rise, hardening is a necessary best practice to secure critical business infrastructure and data.

Updating and Patching

 

Keeping your operating systems and applications up-to-date with the latest patches is one of the most important aspects of server security. New exploits and vulnerabilities are constantly being discovered, many of which can be mitigated by applying the latest patches. Unfortunately, many organizations still run outdated and vulnerable software simply because they neglect to implement a rigorous patching regime.

 

It is highly recommended to enable automatic updates for both the operating system and key applications whenever possible. This ensures patches are applied in a timely manner without relying on busy system administrators to handle it manually. Most Linux distributions offer automated patch management through tools like yum or apt. For Windows servers, Windows Update or third-party patch management software can automate the process.

 

Additionally, administrators should subscribe to mailing lists about new security patches for their systems. Being promptly notified when critical patches become available can help prioritize their deployment. Setting up monitoring tools that scan for missing patches is another best practice.

 

Overall, staying vigilant about applying the latest security patches is one of the most effective ways to harden servers against attacks. Automating patch deployment and setting up notifications reduces the risks associated with human forgetfulness. Companies that neglect patching open themselves up to preventable breaches.

 

Access Controls

 

A critical aspect of OS and application server hardening is properly configuring access controls to limit access to authorized users and prevent unauthorized access. This includes:

 

• Limiting access to servers through role-based access controls and strict permission settings. Only system administrators and authorized users should have access to servers. Default administrator accounts should be renamed, disabled or deleted.
• Implementing role-based access controls to grant users only the minimum levels of access needed to perform their work. Different roles like system administrators, developers, etc should be defined with granular permission levels.
• Enforcing strong password policies through password complexity, aging, history, and lockout settings. This prevents easy-to-guess passwords.
• Leveraging multi-factor authentication (MFA) to require users to authenticate with more than just a username and password. MFA adds an extra layer of security, often through time-based tokens, smart cards, biometrics etc.
• Disabling root login over SSH and limiting SSH access to only authorized IP addresses. SSH keys should be used instead of password-based SSH authentication.
• Reviewing sudoers files and root access for validity based on least privilege principles. Commands allowed through sudo should be restricted.
• Establishing centralized user management and implementing a single sign-on solution. This reduces redundant credentials across systems.
• Promptly deprovisioning access for departed users or disabling inactive accounts after a period of inactivity. Access should be granted based on need.
• Monitoring and logging failed login attempts to identify brute force attacks. Automatic lockouts after a threshold of invalid attempts should be enabled.
• Securing physical console access through BIOS passwords, disabling USB ports etc. Physical breach of a server can fully compromise its security.

 

There are many other access controls that should be addressed. By properly implementing access controls ensures only authorized users can access servers and limits the damage insiders or external attackers can inflict if they do gain access. This restricts lateral movement and makes OS and application server environments more secure.

 

Firewall Configuration

 

Firewalls are essential for securing both operating systems and application servers from network-based attacks. Proper firewall configuration can prevent unauthorized access and malicious traffic from reaching vulnerable services.

 

When hardening a server firewall, the following practices should be implemented:

 

– Enable the host-based firewall included with the OS, such as iptables on Linux or Windows Firewall. Disable any servers not required.

 

– Filter allowed ports and IP addresses using access control lists. Limit traffic to only necessary network services. Block all other incoming connections.

 

– Configure allowlisting rules which only permit specified addresses and ports. This is more secure than blocklisting, which can allow malicious traffic by default.

 

– Restrict administrative access to management interfaces like SSH. Allow from specific admin IPs only.

 

– Setup intrusion prevention and detection rules to identify and block known threats like DDoS attempts. Log and review these events.

 

– Segment services across multiple firewall zones with strict access rules between each. Follow a least privilege model.

 

Properly configuring host and network firewalls is a key step in protecting services from unauthorized access. Well-designed firewall policies can mitigate many network-based attacks against harden servers. Maintaining and monitoring the firewall is critical for ongoing security.

 

Disable Unnecessary Services

 

Hardening an operating system or application server should involve identifying and disabling any unnecessary services. Reducing the network attack surface is a key principle of system security.

 

Every open port and running service introduces potential vulnerabilities. Unused services that are left enabled provide opportunities for attackers to gain entry and exploit the system. Therefore, a best practice is to disable any services not directly needed for the server’s specific functions.

 

Begin by taking an inventory of all currently running services on the server. For an OS like Linux, you can use commands like `netstat`, `nmap`, and `lsof` to list open ports and associated services. On Windows, use `netstat`, `tasklist` and other tools to enumerate services.

 

Compile a list of all non-essential services based on the server’s defined role. For example, a web server likely does not need remote desktop, file sharing, printer sharing, etc enabled. An application server may not require a web server, FTP, SSH, etc. Identify every service that can potentially be disabled to reduce risk.

 

For each unnecessary service, stop and disable it from automatically starting at boot time. On Linux, you may disable services via `systemctl` or `chkconfig`. On Windows, use services.msc or other utilities. Restart the server for changes to take effect.

 

Re-validate after disabling services to confirm they no longer show as running or listening on open ports. Monitor system logs and behaviors for any issues caused by disabling services, and re-enable any that turn out to be required. Regularly review disabled services to keep the list updated as the server’s uses evolve.

 

Following the principle of least privilege, minimizing unnecessary services hardens the server by reducing the avenues through which it can be attacked. Combine with other methods like updated firewall rules, access controls, and logging to comprehensively lock down server security.

 

Log Review and Monitoring

 

Effective log review and monitoring is critical for securing OS and application servers. All activity on servers should be logged, with logs centralized to a secure server. This allows for log analysis to identify anomalies or malicious behavior.

 

Centralized logging – All servers should be configured to send logs to a central log management server. This prevents logs being tampered with on individual servers. Popular centralized logging tools include Splunk, Elastic Stack, and Graylog.

 

Log analysis and alerts – Logs should be continuously analyzed to detect anomalies, intrusion attempts, or policy violations. Alerts should be configured to notify security teams in real-time of high priority events. Log analysis helps identify compromised accounts, brute force attacks, unusual traffic patterns and more.

 

Monitoring for anomalies – Machine learning techniques can establish patterns of normal behavior on servers. Deviations from normal baselines may indicate a security incident or compromised account. Statistics like CPU usage, memory, network connections and more can be monitored. Alerts should be triggered when anomalies are detected.

 

Proactive log review, monitoring and alerting is key for detecting security incidents in a timely manner. Rapid detection and response is critical for limiting the impact of breaches.

 

Encryption and Data Protection

 

Protecting sensitive data is a crucial part of hardening an OS and application server. Encrypting data both in transit and at rest should be a priority.

 

For data in transit, use encryption protocols like TLS 1.2 or higher to secure network communications. Disable outdated protocols like SSL and TLS 1.0 that have known vulnerabilities.

 

For data at rest, use full disk encryption solutions to encrypt sensitive data and files. On Linux, options like LUKS provide full disk encryption capabilities. For Windows, BitLocker can provide full volume encryption. Enable encryption for backups and snapshots to ensure data remains protected.

 

Properly setting permissions and access controls is another aspect of data protection. Restrict access to sensitive files and data to only authorized users and processes. Disable default admin accounts and use principle of least privilege when provisioning access. Limit which users can view, modify, or delete important data.

 

Regularly rotate encryption keys and passwords to ensure compromised credentials cannot unlock sensitive information. Destroy encryption keys when no longer needed.

 

With a layered approach to encryption, permissions, and access controls, you can effectively protect vital data and meet compliance requirements.

 

Configuration Hardening

 

Hardening the configurations of both the operating system and applications is a critical step in securing servers. This involves reviewing and tightening default settings to reduce the attack surface.

 

Hardening OS Configurations

 

• Disable or restrict root access and require sudo for privileged commands. Set up rbac and limit access to sensitive files/folders.
• Remove unnecessary software packages, systems, services, features, protocols. Disable auto-running services.
• Enforce strong password policies for accounts. Set minimum password length, complexity, expiration, lockout for failures.
• Configure secure authentication methods like SSH keys, disable telnet/FTP. Disable password-based remote login.
• Tighten kernel parameters via sysctl for memory protections, network stack, user limits.
• Restrict su command access and permissions of binaries like sudo.
• Use security-focused OS distributions like Ubuntu LTS or CentOS that receive timely updates.

 

Application Configuration Hardening

 

• Review and disable unnecessary application features, plugins, ports, services, accounts.
• Enforce account security policies like strong passwords, 2FA, limits on invalid logins.
• Configure TLS for web traffic along with HSTS headers.
• Remove verbose error messages, default accounts/passwords, sample files/scripts.
• Disable stack traces that leak information. Log errors securely.
• Set restrictive file/folder permissions and limit access.

 

Following Security Baselines

 

• Use CIS, NIST baselines to review and apply recommended configuration settings.
• Continuously monitor for configuration drift from baselines using tools like Ansible.
• Create master images with hardened configs to use for provisioning new systems.
• Leverage infrastructure as code tools like Ansible to enforce and audit configurations.

 

Proper OS and application hardening limits the attack surface and prevents many common attacks like brute force. It establishes a strong security baseline. Hardening should also be an ongoing process as new guidelines emerge.

 

File Integrity Monitoring

 

File integrity monitoring (FIM) is a critical component of security hardening that focuses on detecting unauthorized changes to files. FIM solutions work by creating a baseline of file attributes like permissions, ownership, content hash, etc. The FIM software then continuously monitors files and directories to detect changes from the baseline. Any deviations are flagged and alerts can be generated.

 

FIM is especially important for monitoring critical system files that should not regularly change. For example, hashes can be created for key executables, configuration files, and libraries. If the hash changes for one of these files, it indicates something or someone has modified it, which warrants investigating. FIM can detect malware or attacker changes, as well as policy violations by insiders.

 

To implement FIM, first document and baseline key files that support essential services and applications. Calculate cryptographic hash values like SHA256 for each file. Next, deploy FIM agents across all endpoints and servers to monitor baselined files. The agents recalculate hashes on a frequent basis and report back to a central server.

 

The FIM central server contains the baseline hashes and known good values. It can then compare reported hashes from agents against the baseline to detect discrepancies and changed files. When changes are found, alerts should be generated so security teams can investigate. Integrate the server with SIEM, monitoring dashboards, and reporting tools.

 

Overall, file integrity monitoring provides continuous monitoring of critical files and alerts when unauthorized changes occur. It acts as an extra layer of hardening by detecting policy violations, malware, or malicious activities through integrity checks. FIM is a must-have for securing both servers and endpoints.

 

Why Hardening of Servers Is Important?

 

Hardening servers and applications is an important process for any organization that values security. In this guide, we covered several key steps that should be taken:

 

– Keeping the OS and all software up-to-date by installing the latest patches and updates

– Implementing access controls through file permissions, authentication, and authorization

– Configuring firewalls to only allow necessary traffic

– Disabling any unnecessary services and applications to reduce the attack surface

– Setting up centralized log review and monitoring to detect issues

– Encrypting data at rest and in transit to protect confidentiality

– Hardening server and application configurations to remove default settings

– Implementing file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized changes

 

Diligently following security best practices for hardening can provide major benefits. It protects servers from threats exploiting known vulnerabilities in outdated software. The limited services and locked down configurations provide fewer avenues for attackers to compromise the system. Encryption of data makes breaches less damaging. Monitoring logs and system files enables quick detection of issues.

 

Overall, keeping servers hardened with ongoing patching, configurations, and monitoring is essential for any organization that values data security and system integrity. The time invested in hardening servers and applications helps minimize risk and prevent devastating data breaches or outages. With robust hardening in place, organizations can confidently deploy systems and provide services knowing security risks are mitigated.

Discover key strategies for securing OS and app servers, including file permissions and disabling unneeded services. Vital for security pros. If you’re unsure on setting more complex hardening and running a detailed penetration test, drop us a non obligatory enquiry for us to provide you the best advise for your current IT. Ensure you are in good hands with years of experience by I-Net Dynamics engineers.