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SECURITY CONFIGURATION
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SECURITY CONFIGURATION
What Is Security Configuration?
What is Security Configuration
Security configuration is a process that involves adjusting the default settings of an information system in order to increase security and mitigate risk.
Security configuration management identifies misconfigurations of a
system’s default settings. Misconfigurations can lead to a host of problems, including poor system performance, noncompliance, inconsistencies and security
vulnerabilities.
About Default Settings
In routers or operating systems, for example, manufacturers often set the default configurations with predefined passwords or pre-installed applications. Accepting easily exploitable default settings can make it easy for attackers to gain unauthorized access to an organization’s data and has the potential to cause catastrophic data loss.
Configuration Management Tools
Specialized configuration management tools allow security teams to understand what’s changing in their key assets and detect a breach early. These tools typically perform the following tasks:
- Classify and manage systems
- Modify base configurations
- Roll out new settings to applicable systems
- Automate patches and updates
- Identify problematic and noncompliant configurations
- Access and apply remediation
Patches, updates and changes to IT hardware and software typically require adjustments to the system configuration. To prevent these adjustments from having an impact on security, organizations require a well-defined security configuration management process and the right tools.
How Security Configuration Management Works
45%
of all security breaches result from errors linked to misconfigurations
A solid process is key to disaster recovery. You can’t recover the last-known configuration without correct and thorough documentation, for example. Security configuration management tools are also important because they identify misconfigurations and detect and report unusual changes to files or registry keys, enabling organizations to understand how their assets are changing.
Security Configuration Management Phases
Security configuration management has four phases:
- Planning. This step involves developing policies and procedures for incorporating security configuration management into existing IT and other security programs, then disseminating this guidance throughout the organization.
- Identifying and implementing configurations. Creating, reviewing, approving and implementing a secure baseline configuration for the system is critical. The approach may address configuration settings, software loads, patch levels, the physical or logical arrangement of data, security control implementation and documentation.
- Controlling configuration changes. Organizations ensure that changes are formally analyzed for their impact on security — and later tested and approved prior to implementation. Organizations may employ a variety of restrictions on making changes to limit unauthorized or undocumented updates to the system.
- Monitoring. This phase identifies previously undiscovered or undocumented system components, misconfigurations, vulnerabilities and unauthorized changes — all of which can expose organizations to increased risk. Automated tools help organizations to efficiently identify when the system is not consistent with the approved baseline configuration and when remediation actions are necessary.
Automation and visibility. Without a security configuration management tool, it’s nearly impossible to maintain secure configurations across servers, routers, firewalls and switches. The right tool automatically brings misconfigurations into alignment while providing real-time visibility.
Heightened compliance. Security configuration management tools monitor an organization’s compliance with both internal and external standards. This reduces the time to identify noncompliance, which helps avoid incurring costly penalties and fees.
Lower risk and faster recovery. Tools detect and quickly correct misconfigurations, thereby reducing organizational risk. This enables organizations to provide a higher level of service and faster recovery, since the correct configuration is documented and automated.
Benefits of Modern Security Configuration Management Tools
Conclusion
Managing security configuration is necessary for every organization. An effective process and the right tools protect against vulnerabilities and security threats while reducing risk, ensuring compliance and preventing catastrophic data loss.