Linux server hardening checklist pdf

What is a hardening checklist?

A good system hardening checklist usually contains the following action items: Have users create strong passwords and change them regularly. Remove or disable all superfluous drivers, services, and software. Set system updates to install automatically. Limit unauthorized or unauthenticated user access to the system.

What is standard Linux hardening?

Simply speaking, hardening is the process of making a system more secure. Out of the box, Linux servers don't come "hardened" (e.g. with the attack surface minimized). It's up to you to prepare for each eventuality and set up systems to notify you of any suspicious activity in the future.

What is the first step in hardening a Linux system?

Step 1: Create a new sudo user

In Linux systems root user has the highest privileges in the system. This is required for installing and configuring the server. This user must not be used to perform regular server operations to reduce the chance for intruders to leverage its access and privileges.

What are 5 ways to harden your network security?

Network hardening: Ensure your firewall is properly configured and all rules are regularly audited; secure remote access points and users; block any unused or unneeded open network ports; disable and remove unnecessary protocols and services; implement access lists; encrypt network traffic.

Is server hardening the same as patching?

Hardening includes additional steps beyond patching to limit the ways a hacker or malware could gain entry. Hardening is accomplished by turning on only the ports and services required, obfuscating system components such as SNMP, and additional steps to limit system access.

What is server hardening policy?

A server hardening procedure shall be created and maintained that provides detailed information required to configure and harden [LEP] servers whether on premise or in the cloud. The procedure shall include: Installing the operating system from an IT approved source.

Who puts out OS hardening checklist?

The hardening checklists are based on the comprehensive checklists produced by The Center for Internet Security (CIS), when possible.

What is a hardening plan?

System hardening is a process to secure a computer system or server by eliminating the risks of cyberattacks. The process involves removing or disabling system applications, user accounts and other features that cyber attackers can infiltrate to gain access to your network.

What are three levels of security in Linux?

Using kernel security levels, you can decrease the chances that an attacker who gains root access to your computer will be able to hide this fact in your logfiles. Level 1 is used for secure mode. Level 2 is used for "very secure" mode. Level 3 is defined as the "really-really secure mode."

Why is Linux hardening important?

If you have servers connected to the internet, you likely have valuable data stored on them that needs to be protected from bad actors. Linux server hardening is a set of measures used to reduce the attack surface and improve the security of your servers.

What is SSH hardening in Linux?

SSH or Secure Shell is the popular protocol for doing system administration on Linux systems. It runs on most systems, often with its default configuration. As this service opens up a potential gateway into the system, it is one of the steps to hardening a Linux system.

What is kernel hardening in Linux?

The term kernel hardening refers to a strategy of using specific kernel configuration options to limit or prevent certain types of cyber attacks. You can use these options to create a more secure system.

What are hardening techniques?

Threat actors exploit these vulnerabilities to hack into devices, systems, and networks. Hardening techniques typically involve locking down configurations, achieving a balance between operational functionality and security. Vulnerability management and change control is another critical component of this effort.

How hardening is performed?

The hardening process consists of heating the components above the critical (normalizing) temperature, holding at this temperature for one hour per inch of thickness cooling at a rate fast enough to allow the material to transform to a much harder, stronger structure, and then tempering.

What are the five basic layers for Linux?

The Linux operating system's architecture mainly contains some of the components: the Kernel, System Library, Hardware layer, System, and Shell utility.

Can Linux be hacked easily?

It is open source; this means anybody can have access to the source code. This makes it less secure compared to other operating systems as attackers can study the source code to find vulnerabilities. Linux for Hackers is about exploiting these vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to a system.

What are the three elements of Linux security?

STANDARD BASIC SECURITY FEATURES. For the basic security features, Linux has password authentication, file system discretionary access control, and security auditing. These three fundamental features are necessary to achieve a security evaluation at the C2 level [4].

What is kernel hardening in Linux?

Why is it important to harden Linux?

What are the top Linux threats?

The types of attacks taking place against Linux systems vary, but ransomware and cryptojacking are still in the lead.

What are the 5 basic components of Linux?

The Linux operating system's architecture mainly contains some of the components: the Kernel, System Library, Hardware layer, System, and Shell utility. 1. Kernel:- The kernel is one of the core section of an operating system.

Which Linux do hackers use?

Kali linux

It is developed by Offensive Security as the rewrite of BackTrack and tops our list as one of the best-operating systems for hacking purposes. This Debian-based OS comes with 500+ preinstalled pen testing tools and applications that make your security toolbox richer to start along.

Which OS do hackers use?

Linux is the most popular choice for hackers due to its flexibility, open source platform, portability and command line interface and compatibility with popular hacking tools. Windows is a required, but dreaded target for most hackers because it requires them to work in Windows-only environments.

Which Linux OS is more secure?

Discreete Linux is one of the most secure Linux distributions and is built for standard computing tasks such as gaming and word processing. Discreete Linux disables the Internet connection to secure the data and cryptographic keys from untrusted networks.