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.