The primary objective of server hardening is to enhance the security of a server by reducing its attack surface and minimizing the risk of unauthorized access, data theft, and other types of cyber threats.
By implementing server hardening measures, organizations can reduce the likelihood of successful attacks, prevent data loss or corruption, and maintain the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information. Additionally, server hardening can help organizations comply with regulatory requirements and industry standards related to data security and privacy.
Some specific objectives of server hardening include:
Reducing the risk of exploitation of known vulnerabilities
Removing or disabling unnecessary software, services, and functions
Implementing access controls and limiting user privileges
Configuring firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems
Enforcing strong passwords and authentication mechanisms
Implementing encryption to protect data in transit and at rest
Monitoring server activity and reviewing logs for potential security incidents.