A server or application is not automatically secure the moment it is installed. Hardening is the process of pulling default settings back to a safe baseline.
Which systems do we harden?
- Windows Server (2016/2019/2022)
- Linux distributions (RHEL, Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS)
- Database servers (MS SQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL)
- Web servers (IIS, Apache, NGINX)
- Container platforms (Docker, Kubernetes)
- Cloud configurations (AWS, Azure, GCP)
- Network devices (Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet)
Reference frameworks
- CIS Benchmark (version-specific)
- DISA STIG
- NIST SP 800-53 / 800-171
- Microsoft Security Baseline
Service phases
- Current-state scan (CIS-CAT, OpenSCAP)
- Risk-based control selection
- Pilot deployment and impact testing
- Production rollout (scheduled change window)
- Regular re-validation (continuous compliance)
