Hardening

5 minutes 5 Questions

Hardening refers to the process of configuring network devices and applications to minimize security vulnerabilities. This includes installing patches and updates to address known vulnerabilities, disabling unnecessary services, removing unused accounts, and implementing strict password policies. By reducing the attack surface, hardening helps to safeguard network devices and systems from potential threats and compromises. Regular audits and vulnerability assessments are essential to ensure that hardening measures are effective and up to date.

Guide to Hardening in CompTIA Security Plus Exam

Hardening is a crucial step in secure network and architecture. It is the process of reducing vulnerabilities and securing a system from possible threats.
Why is it important? In an era where cyber threats are increasing, hardening helps to secure database, servers, and other critical network components.

How it works: Hardening usually includes:
- Changing default passwords
- Disabling unnecessary services
- Applying security patches and updates regularly
- Configuring network security filters
It is always a good idea to apply hardening strategies in layers, this adds multiple levels of security to your network.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Hardening:
- Have a clear understanding of what hardening is and how it can be applied across various systems.
- Know the differences between the hardening process of different system types.
- Be familiar with best practices of hardening including changing default settings, updating patches, etc.
- Understand the layered approach and why it is more effective in providing enhanced security.
- Prepare with real-world situations and understand how you would apply hardening in such scenarios. This can give you a clear idea and fetch you more points in the exam.
Remember to read questions carefully in order not to miss any crucial information.

Test mode:

Exam (Timed)

Practice (With explanations)

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Question 1

To comply with a new software security policy, an administrator must limit the installed applications. What should be done to adhere to the policy?

Block specific applications Implement a whitelist Allow all applications Use antivirus software

Correct Answer: Implement a whitelist

Implementing a whitelist allows only approved applications while blocking others. This limits installed applications and enhances security. Allowing all applications and disabling the policy do not adhere to the requirements. Blocking specific applications (blacklist) is not as secure as a whitelist. Antivirus software is an additional security layer but doesn't limit installed applications.

Question 2

A company's remote workers need access to internal resources. Management has requested a more secure way to protect the VPN from being exploited. What should be implemented?

Default user accounts Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Remove VPN access Login banners

Correct Answer: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) provides an additional layer of security by requiring users to authenticate with more than one method, making it harder for attackers to compromise accounts. SSO, password expiration, and login banners are useful but do not provide the same level of security as MFA. Removing VPN access and using default user accounts are poor security practices.

Question 3

A company has implemented a web server for its public-facing website. To minimize potential exploitation, what should be done during the hardening process?

Enable remote management Disable unnecessary services Allow all incoming ports Install File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

Correct Answer: Disable unnecessary services

Hardening a web server involves disabling unnecessary services, reducing the potential attack surface. Allowing all ports, enabling remote management, and disabling the firewall would make the server more vulnerable. Installing FTP and using default passwords are also weak security measures.

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