When implementing hardening techniques on a company's main database server to minimize its attack surface, which of the following measures should be taken FIRST?
Configure the firewall to allow only essential traffic.
Update the server to the latest stable OS version and apply all available security patches.
Implement account lockout policies after several failed login attempts.
Conduct a vulnerability scan to identify and fix security flaws.
The process of hardening a server should begin with updating the server to the latest stable version of the operating system, including all the available security patches. This action addresses known vulnerabilities and reduces the number of potential attack vectors that could be exploited. Configuring a firewall, setting account lockout policies, and conducting a vulnerability scan are important hardening steps, but they come after ensuring that the server is running the most secure operating system version available.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
What are hardening techniques in server security?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
Why is updating the OS and applying security patches so critical?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What are some common vulnerabilities that updates and patches can fix?