Let’s Get Hard; Operating System Hardening

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Windows hardening is a critical process to enhance the security of your operating system. Below are some verified commands and tools to help you get started:

Tools and Commands for Windows Hardening:

1. Microsoft Security Compliance Toolkit:

• Download and apply security baselines to harden your system.
• Command to download:

  Invoke-WebRequest -Uri "https://download.microsoft.com/download/8/5/C/85C25433-A1B0-4FFA-9429-7E023E7DA8D8/Windows10.zip" -OutFile "Windows10.zip" 
  

2. Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC):

• Restrict unauthorized applications from running.
• Command to create a WDAC policy:

  New-CIPolicy -FilePath "C:\Policy.xml" -ScanPath "C:\Windows" -UserPEs 
  

3. Disable Unnecessary Services:

• Use PowerShell to disable services like Remote Registry:

  Set-Service -Name "RemoteRegistry" -StartupType Disabled 
  

4. Enable BitLocker Encryption:

• Encrypt your drives for added security.
• Command to enable BitLocker:

  Enable-BitLocker -MountPoint "C:" -EncryptionMethod XtsAes256 
  

5. Configure Windows Firewall:

• Use PowerShell to block inbound traffic by default:

  Set-NetFirewallProfile -Profile Domain,Public,Private -DefaultInboundAction Block 
  

6. Audit and Monitor with Sysmon:

• Install Sysmon for advanced system monitoring.
• Command to install Sysmon:

  sysmon -accepteula -i sysmonconfig.xml 
  

What Undercode Say:

Windows hardening is an essential practice for securing your operating system against potential threats. By leveraging tools like the Microsoft Security Compliance Toolkit, Windows Defender Application Control, and Sysmon, you can significantly reduce your attack surface. Disabling unnecessary services, enabling BitLocker encryption, and configuring the Windows Firewall are foundational steps in this process.

For advanced users, PowerShell commands provide granular control over system configurations. Regularly auditing your system with Sysmon ensures that you can detect and respond to suspicious activities promptly. Additionally, applying security baselines and restricting unauthorized applications through WDAC policies further strengthens your defenses.

Remember, hardening is an ongoing process. Regularly update your security configurations and stay informed about the latest threats and mitigation techniques. By following these practices, you can create a more secure and resilient Windows environment.

For further reading, visit:

• Microsoft Security Compliance Toolkit
• Windows Defender Application Control
• Sysmon Documentation

References:

Hackers Feeds, Undercode AI