Disc 1 – 500 words with two references for both W3 Discuss system hardening strategies and techniques including updates and patches, default logon/passwords, anonymous access, removal of unneeded services, separation of production and development environments, and settings such as password length and complexity by answering the following questions: Disc 2: 500 words with 2 references Discuss the phases of a typical information security incident response. Using the information presented in the handout, discuss the following questions: Purchase the answer to view it
Discussion 1: System Hardening Strategies and Techniques
System hardening is a critical aspect of information security that involves implementing various strategies and techniques to enhance the security posture of computer systems and networks. By hardening a system, organizations can minimize the risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and other security incidents. This discussion will explore several important system hardening strategies and techniques, including updates and patches, default logon/passwords, anonymous access, removal of unneeded services, separation of production and development environments, and settings such as password length and complexity.
Updates and patches play a vital role in system hardening. Software vulnerabilities are frequently discovered, and vendors release patches to fix these vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement a robust patch management process to ensure that systems are up to date with the latest security patches. Failure to apply patches promptly can expose systems to known vulnerabilities, making them more susceptible to attacks.
Default logon and passwords are another area of concern when it comes to system hardening. Many systems and applications come with default logon credentials, which can easily be exploited by attackers. Organizations should change these default credentials immediately during the system setup process to prevent unauthorized access. It is essential to use strong, unique passwords that follow best practices, such as including a combination of alphanumeric characters and special symbols.
Anonymous access refers to allowing users to access system resources without providing any credentials. Although anonymous access may be required for certain scenarios, it can also introduce security risks. It is crucial to evaluate the need for anonymous access and limit it to only those areas where it is absolutely necessary. Implementing access controls and authentication mechanisms can help ensure that only authorized users can access system resources.
Removing unneeded services is an effective system hardening technique. By disabling or uninstalling unnecessary services and applications, organizations can reduce the attack surface and remove potential points of entry for attackers. Regular system audits should be conducted to identify and remediate any unneeded services that may be running on the system.
Separating production and development environments is an important practice to minimize the risk of unauthorized access and data leakage. Production environments contain sensitive data and should be isolated from development and testing environments. By implementing proper segregation of duties and access controls, organizations can prevent unauthorized access to production systems.
Settings such as password length and complexity also contribute to system hardening. Password policies should be enforced to ensure that users choose strong passwords that are difficult to guess. These policies may include requirements for minimum password length, complexity, and expiration. Regular password changes can also help mitigate the risk of compromised credentials.
In conclusion, system hardening strategies and techniques are critical for enhancing the security of computer systems and networks. By implementing strategies such as updates and patches, default logon/passwords, anonymous access control, removal of unneeded services, separation of production and development environments, and proper password settings, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of security incidents. However, it is important to note that system hardening is an ongoing process that should be regularly assessed and adapted to address emerging threats and vulnerabilities.
References:
1. Cisco Systems, Inc. (2019). Hardening network devices. Retrieved from https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/solutions/Enterprise/Security/SAFE_RG/SAFE_rg/chap9_hardening.html
2. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (2021). Recommendations for secure configuration of operating systems. Retrieved from https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/specialpublications/nist.sp.800-123.pdf
