What does “Device Hardening” mean? Why is it essential for IT security? And how can devices be “hardened”? You can find the answers to these questions here.
What is Device Hardening?
Device hardening is also known as System Hardening, although there are subtle differences depending on the definition. Device or System Hardening is an important part of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.
The aim is to preventively minimize the attack surface through a Secure Configuration. This includes closing unnecessary software vulnerabilities, deactivating services, enabling only essential functions, restricting authorizations and taking hardware security measures. The latter is the focus of “pure” Device Hardening.
Why this effort? As a rule, operating systems and devices are designed by the manufacturers to be user-friendly. However, these default settings offer potential attackers numerous gateways. This is where System Hardening comes into play in order to consistently eliminate these vulnerabilities.
Figuratively speaking, this means that you close the door to your house to prevent burglars from getting in.
Why is Device Hardening important?
Unhardened devices are an easy target for cyber criminals. They exploit typical loopholes:
➡ Standard user accounts and passwords
➡ Open and unnecessary services
➡ Outdated software without security updates
➡ Excessive user rights
➡ Insecure BIOS or UEFI settings
If devices, their operating systems and their applications are not secure or are inadequately configured, attackers have an easy time of it. They can then exploit vulnerabilities such as SMBv1.
Device Hardening: Examples
There are numerous measures to harden a device. It may be necessary to make hundreds or even well over 1,000 settings. Typical measures are:
➡ Firmware upgrades: Installing BIOS/UEFI and TPM updates
➡ Deactivation of hardware functions such as NFC
➡ Switching on the hard disk encryption
➡ Minimal installation of the operating system
➡ Switch off services that are not required
➡ Clear restriction of user rights
➡ Blocking special types of scripts
➡ Targeted port release for the firewall
➡ Controlled USB and device access
➡ Comprehensive logging and monitoring
The advantages of Device Hardening
Important: Device Hardening or System Hardening is not a “nice to have”, but nowadays a “must have”! More and more regulations and standards require System Hardening. This is understandable, as companies in general and IT derpartments in particular benefit from this in many ways:
✅ Fewer vulnerabilities, making access more difficult for attackers
✅ Compliance with standards such as ISO 27001
✅ … or regulations such as DORA
✅ Protection against business interruptions and financial losses
✅ Fewer false positives in the SOC and better IT forensics
✅ Better conditions for cyber insurance
Don’t forget!
With comprehensive system hardening, you make it more difficult for attackers to quickly and easily compromise your company / organization by reducing the attack surface – it requires more effort, it becomes more expensive and thus the target becomes uninteresting. However, 100% compliance with hardening standards is an illusion – and not even necessary.
Equally important: System Hardening is not a one-off process. The threat situation is constantly changing and configurations must be regularly checked and adapted accordingly. Tools for automated Device Hardening such as Enforce Administrator help to make the process more efficient.
Do you have any questions? Want to know more about System Hardening? Contact us – our experts will be happy to help you!
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