Introduction:
This hardening guideline is designed to provide a baseline for securing Ubuntu Server deployments within our organization. Adhering to these best practices will help ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our information and systems.
Initial Setup and Configuration
1.1. Use the latest version of Ubuntu Server
Ensure you are using the latest stable version of Ubuntu Server with security patches and updates applied.
1.2. Install minimal packages
During the installation, select only the necessary packages for your server’s specific purpose, reducing the potential attack surface.
1.3. Configure network settings
Disable any unnecessary network services, and configure the firewall to only allow required traffic.
Secure User Management
2.1. Disable the root account
Disable the root account by setting its password to an unusable string using the command sudo passwd -l root.
2.2. Use strong and unique passwords
Enforce strong and unique passwords for all user accounts, using a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numeric, and special characters.
2.3. Limit user privileges
Only grant necessary privileges to users, and employ the principle of least privilege.
2.4. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Implement MFA for all users, using a secure second factor, such as a hardware token or an authenticator app.
Filesystem Security
3.1. Partition the filesystem
Separate the filesystem into multiple partitions, such as /, /home, /var, and /tmp, to limit the potential damage from a breach.
3.2. Set proper file permissions
Ensure proper file permissions are set, following the principle of least privilege.
3.3. Enable Access Control Lists (ACLs)
Enable and configure ACLs to provide fine-grained control over file and directory permissions.
Security Updates and Patch Management
4.1. Enable automatic updates
Configure the unattended-upgrades package to automatically install security updates.
4.2. Regularly review installed packages
Review and remove any unnecessary or outdated packages regularly.
4.3. Monitor security advisories
Subscribe to Ubuntu security mailing lists and other relevant resources to stay informed about new vulnerabilities and patches.
System Hardening
5.1. Configure and enable AppArmor
AppArmor is a Mandatory Access Control (MAC) system that restricts applications’ capabilities according to predefined profiles. Enable and configure it for your environment.
5.2. Disable unnecessary services
Identify and disable any unnecessary services running on the system, reducing the attack surface.
5.3. Implement intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS)
Deploy IDS/IPS solutions, such as Snort or Suricata, to monitor and protect the network from potential intrusions.
Secure Remote Access
6.1. Use SSH for remote access
Secure Shell (SSH) should be used for remote access to the server. Disable any insecure remote access protocols, such as Telnet and Rlogin.
6.2. Configure SSH settings
Disable root login, enable key-based authentication, and use non-standard ports for SSH to minimize the risk of unauthorized access.
6.3. Implement a VPN for remote access
For secure remote access to the internal network, implement a VPN solution with strong encryption and authentication methods.
Logging and Monitoring
7.1. Enable and configure syslog
Ensure that syslog is enabled and properly configured to collect and store logs from all system components.
7.2. Set log rotation and retention policies
Implement log rotation and retention policies to prevent log files from consuming excessive disk space and to facilitate incident response and forensics.
7.3. Regularly review logs
Review system logs regularly for suspicious activity, and set up automated alerts for critical events.
7.4. Implement centralized logging
Consider using a centralized logging solution, such as ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, and Kibana) or Graylog, to aggregate and analyze logs from multiple sources.
7.5. Audit system configurations
Perform regular audits of system configurations to ensure compliance with security policies and hardening guidelines.
Backup and Recovery
8.1. Establish a backup strategy
Develop a comprehensive backup strategy that includes regular, incremental, and full backups, as well as off-site storage.
8.2. Test backups and recovery procedures
Regularly test backup and recovery procedures to ensure data integrity and the ability to restore operations in case of a disaster.
8.3. Encrypt backups
Encrypt backup data at rest and during transmission to protect sensitive information.
Incident Response and Forensics
9.1. Develop an incident response plan
Establish a formal incident response plan that outlines roles, responsibilities, and procedures for addressing security incidents.
9.2. Conduct regular incident response training
Train employees on incident response procedures and conduct periodic exercises to test their effectiveness.
9.3. Maintain a forensics toolkit
Create and maintain a forensics toolkit with tools and resources to support investigations in the event of a security incident.
Compliance and Documentation
10.1. Adhere to regulatory requirements
Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and industry standards, such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS.
10.2. Document server configurations
Maintain up-to-date documentation of server configurations, including hardware, software, and network settings.
10.3. Perform regular security assessments
Conduct regular security assessments, including vulnerability scans and penetration tests, to identify and remediate potential weaknesses in the system.
Conclusion:
Following this hardening guideline will significantly reduce the risks associated with Ubuntu Server deployments. Remember that security is an ongoing process, and it is essential to stay vigilant and continually reassess and improve your security posture.