Page Comparison

The hardening checklists are based on the comprehensive checklists produced by CIS. The Information Security Office has distilled the CIS lists down to the most critical steps for your systems, with a particular focus on configuration issues that are unique to the computing environment at The University of Texas at Austin.

How to use the checklist

Print the checklist and check off each item you complete to ensure that you cover the critical steps for securing your server. The Information Security Office uses this checklist during risk assessments as part of the process to verify that servers are secure.

How to read the checklist

Step - The step number in the procedure. If there is a UT Note for this step, the note number corresponds to the step number.
Check (√) - This is for administrators to check off when she/he completes this portion.
To Do - Basic instructions on what to do to harden the respective system
CIS - Reference number in the Center for Internet Security Windows Server 2008 2012 R2 Benchmark v1.1.0. The CIS document outlines in much greater detail how to complete each step.
UT Note - The UT Note at the bottom of the page provides additional detail about the step for the university computing environment.
Cat I - For systems that include Category-I data , required steps are denoted with the ! symbol. All steps are recommended.
Cat II/III - For systems that include Category-II or -III data , all steps are recommended, and some are required (denoted by the !).
Min Std - This column links to the specific requirement for the university in the Minimum Security Standards for Systems document.

Server Information

MAC Address
IP Address
Machine Name
Asset Tag
Administrator Name
Date

Enable Password Complexity.5 event Log Settings46.1 Security Settings! allow Anonymous Enumeration of SAM accounts 19371.9.38!1.9.55.12 Digitally Sign Secure Channel Data (When Possible)9.14§ 1.9.321.9.405.12 1.9.411.9.43 12 1445.12 1.9.455.12 231.9.46!5.13 32Set the system date/time and configure it to synchronize against campus time servers.§ 33

		Preparation and Installation
Step	√	To Do	CIS	UT Note	Cat I	Cat II Cat III	Min Std
1		If machine is a new install, protect it from hostile network traffic, until the operating system is installed and hardened.		§	!	!	5.1
2		Consider using the Security Configuration Wizard to assist in hardening the host.		§
		Service Packs and Hotfixes
3		Install the latest service packs and hotfixes from Microsoft.		§	!	!	5.2
4		Enable automatic notification of patch availability.	1.6.1	§	!	!	5.3
		Auditing and User Account Policies
5	Configure	Audit policy as describedSet minimum password length.	1.2 1.4	§	!	!
6.1	6		Set minimum Enable password lengthcomplexity requirements.	1.1.45	§	!
7		Do not store passwords using reversible encryption. (Default)	1.1.	6	§	!	!
8		Configure	account lockout policy.	1.	2	§	!	!
		User Rights Assignment
9		Disable anonymous SID/Name translation. (default)	1.9.6		Restrict the ability to access this computer from the network to Administrators and Authenticated Users.	2.2.2
10		Do not	grant any users the 'act as part of the operating system' right. (Default)	2.	2.	3		!	!		5.5
11		Do not allow Anonymous Enumeration of SAM accounts and shares.	Restrict local logon access to Administrators.	2.2.6	§				5.5
12		Disable the guest account. (Default)	Deny guest accounts the ability to logon as a service, a batch job, locally, or via RDP.	2.2.18-21		!
		Security Settings
13		Digitally Encrypt or Sign Secure Channel Data (Always). (Default)	1.9.12				5.6	14		Digitally Encrypt Secure Channel Data (When Possible). (Default)	1.9.13	Place the University warning banner in the Message Text for users attempting to log on.	2.3.7.4	§	!	!	5.10
14		Disallow users from creating and logging in with Microsoft accounts.	2.3.1.1	§	!	!
5.6	15		Disable the guest account. (Default)	2.3.1.	2		!	!		5.6
16		Place the University warning banner in the Message Text for Users Attempting to log on.	1.9.27-28	Require Ctrl+Alt+Del for interactive logins. (Default)	2.3.7.2		!	!		5.10
17		Disable the sending of unencrypted password to connect to Third-Party SMB Servers. (Default)	Configure machine inactivity limit to protect idle interactive sessions.	2.3.7.3		!	!		5.6
18		Do not allow Everyone permissions to apply to anonymous users. (Default)	Configure Microsoft Network Client to always digitally sign communications.	2.3.8.1		!
19		Do not allow any named pipes to be accessed anonymously.	Configure Microsoft Network Client to digitally sign communications if server agrees. (Default)	2.3.8.2		!	!		5.12
20		Restrict anonymous access to Named Pipes and Shares.	Disable the sending of unencrypted passwords to third party SMB servers.	2.3.8.3		!	!	5.	6
21		Ensure that no shares can be accessed anonymously.	Configure Microsoft Network Server to always digitally sign communications.	2.3.9.	2		!
22		Choose "Classic" as the sharing and security model for local accounts. (Default)	Configure Microsoft Network Server to digitally sign communications if client agrees.	2.3.9.3		!
		Do not store LAN Manager hash values	Network Access Controls
2423		Set LAN Manager Authentication level to NTLMv2 only	1.9.47Disable anonymous SID/Name translation. (Default)	2.3.11.1		!	!	5.13
24	Additional Security Protection
25		Disable or uninstall unused services.			!		5.4
26		Disable or delete unused users.	Do not allow anonymous enumeration of SAM accounts. (Default)	2.3.11.2		!	!	5.5
25		Do not allow anonymous enumeration of SAM accounts and shares.	2.3.11.3		!		5.4 5
2726		Configure User Rights to be as secure as possible.	1.81	§	!
28		Ensure all volumes are using the NTFS file system.		§	!
29		Use the Internet Connection Firewall or other methods to limit connections to the server.	1.5	§	!		5.5
30		Configure file system permissions.		§	Do not allow Everyone permissions to apply to anonymous users. (Default)	2.3.11.4		!	!	5.12
27		Do not allow any named pipes to be accessed anonymously.	2.3.11.5		!		5.12
28		Restrict anonymous access to named pipes and shares. (Default)	2.3.11.8		!	!	5.12
29		Do not allow any shares to be accessed anonymously.	2.3.11.9		!
3130	Configure registry permissions.	Require the "Classic" sharing and security model for local accounts. (Default)	2.3.11.10		§ !	!	5.12
			Additional Steps	Network Security Settings
31		Allow Local System to use computer identity for NTLM.	2.3.12.1			!
32		Install and enable anti-virus software.		§	!	!	3.1
34		Install and enable anti-spyware software.		§	!		3.2
35		Configure anti-virus software to update daily.		§	!		3.3
36		Configure anti-spyware software to update daily.		§	!		3.3
37		Configure a screen-saver to lock the console's screen automatically if the host is left unattended.		§
38		If the machine is not physically secured against unauthorized tampering, set a BIOS/firmware password to prevent alterations in system startup settings.			!		4.1
39		Configure the device boot order to prevent unauthorized booting from alternate media.			!		4.1
40		Systems will provide secure storage for Category-I data as required by confidentiality, integrity, and availability needs. Security can be provided by means such as, but not limited to, encryption, access controls, filesystem audits, physically securing the storage media, or any combination thereof as deemed appropriate.		§	!		5.7
41		Install software to check the integrity of critical operating system files.		§	!		5.8
42		If RDP is utilized, set RDP connection encryption level to high.		§	!		5.6

...

This list provides specific tasks related to the computing environment at The University of Texas at Austin.

123

There are several methods available to assist you in applying patches in a timely fashion: Microsoft Update Service

Microsoft Update checks your machine to identify missing patches and allows you to download and install them.

This is different than the "Windows Update" that is the default on Windows 2008. Microsoft Update includes updates for many more Microsoft products, such as Office and Forefront Client Security.

This service is compatible with Internet Explorer only.
Windows AutoUpdate
ITS offers a Windows Server Update Services Server for campus use using Microsoft's own update servers. It includes updates for additional Microsoft products, just like Microsoft Update, and provides additional administrative control for software deployment.
Microsoft Baseline Security AnalyzerThis is a free host-based application that is available to download from Microsoft . In addition to detailing missing patches, this tool also performs checks on basic security settings and provides information on remediating any issues found.4678

The university requires the following event log settings instead of those recommended by the CIS Benchmark:

Maximum application log size---50000 KB

Maximum security log size---100000 KB

Maximum system log size---50000 KB

Prevent local guests group from accessing application log---enabled

Prevent local guests group from accessing security log---enabled

Prevent local guests group from accessing system log---enabled

Retention method for application log---Overwrite events older than 14 days

Retention method for security log---Overwrite events older that 14 days

Retention method for system log---Overwrite events older than 14 days
These are minimum requirements. The most important log here is the security log. 100 MB is a suggested minimum, but if you have a high-volume service, make the file as large as necessary to make sure at least 14 days of security logs are available. You may increase the number of days that you keep, or you may set the log files to not overwrite events.
Note that if the event log reaches its maximum size and no events older than the number of days you specified exist to be deleted or if you have disabled overwriting of events, no new events will be logged. This may happen deliberately as an attempt by an attacker to cover his tracks. For critical services working with Cat 1 or other sensitive data, you may wish to consider log shipping using syslog, Splunk, Intrust, or a similar service. Another option is to configure Windows to rotate event log files automatically when an event log reaches its maximum size as described in the article http://support.microsoft.com/kb/312571 using the the AutoBackupLogFiles registry entry.16272829303130r32

Anchor
r1	r1	If other alternatives are unavailable, this can be accomplished by installing a SOHO router/firewall in between the network and the host to be protected.
Anchor
r2	r2	The Security Configuration Wizard can greatly simplify the hardening of the server. Once the role for the host is defined, the SCW can help create a system configuration based specifically on that role. It does not completely get rid of the need to make other configuration changes, though. For more information, please see Security Configuration Wizard for Windows Server 2008 .
Anchor
r3	r3
Anchor
r4	r4	Configure Automatic Updates from the Automatic Updates control panel On most servers, you should choose either "Download updates for me, but let me choose when to install them," or "Notify me but don't automatically download or install them." The campus Windows Server Update Services server can be used as the source of automatic updates.
Anchor
r6	r6	Configuring the minimum password length settings is important only if another method of ensuring compliance with university password standards is not in place.
Anchor
r7	r7	Configuring the password complexity setting is important only if another method of ensuring compliance with university password standards is not in place.
Anchor
r8	r8
Anchor
r16	r16	The text of the university's official warning banner can be found on the ITS Web site. You may add localized information to the banner as long as the university banner is included.
Anchor
r27	r27	Configure user rights to be as secure as possible. Every attempt should be made to remove Guest, Everyone, and ANONYMOUS LOGON from the user rights lists.
Anchor
r28	r28	Volumes formatted as FAT or FAT32 can be converted to NTFS, by using the convert.exe utility provided by Microsoft. Microsoft has provided instructions on how to perform the conversion This conversion cannot be reversed.
Anchor
r29	r29	IPSec is one method that can limit connections to the server, and it is another standard method by which communication between servers can be encrypted. IPSec configuration can be managed using the IP Security Policies Snap-In. More information can be found on the Microsoft site.
Anchor
r30	r30	Be extremely careful, as setting incorrect permissions on system files and folders can render a system unusable.
Anchor
r31	r31	Be extremely careful, as setting incorrect permissions on registry entries can render a system unusable.
Anchor
r32	Disable Local System NULL session fallback.	2.3.12.2
33		Configure allowable encryption types for Kerberos.	2.3.12.4
34		Do not store LAN Manager hash values.	2.3.12.5		!	!	5.13
35		Set LAN Manager authentication level to only allow NTLMv2 and refuse LM and NTLM.	2.3.12.7		!		5.13
36		Enable the Windows Firewall in all profiles (domain, private, public). (Default)	9.[1-3].1		!	!	5.5
37		Configure the Windows Firewall in all profiles to block inbound traffic by default. (Default)	9.[1-3].2		!	!
		Active Directory Domain Member Security Settings			!		5.12
38		Digitally encrypt or sign secure channel data (always). (Default)	2.3.6.1		!		5.6
39		Digitally encrypt secure channel data (when possible). (Default)	2.3.6.2		!	!	5.6
40		Digitally sign secure channel data (when possible). (Default)	2.3.6.3		!	!	5.6
41		Require strong (Windows 2000 or later) session keys.	2.3.6.6		!
42		Configure the number of previous logons to cache.	2.3.7.6	§
		Audit Policy Settings
43		Configure Account Logon audit policy.	17.1	§	!
44		Configure Account Management audit policy.	17.2	§	!	!
45		Configure Logon/Logoff audit policy.	17.5	§	!	!
46		Configure Policy Change audit policy.	17.7	§	!	!
47		Configure Privilege Use audit policy.	17.8	§	!
		Event Log Settings
48		Configure Event Log retention method and size.	18.7.19	§	!	!	6.1
49		Configure log shipping (e.g. to Splunk).		§
		Additional Security Protection
50		Disable or uninstall unused services.			!		5.4
51		Disable or delete unused users.			!		5.4
52		Configure User Rights to be as secure as possible.		§	!
53		Ensure all volumes are using the NTFS file system.		§	!
54		Configure file system permissions.		§	!
55		Configure registry permissions.		§	!
56		Disallow remote registry access if not required.	2.3.11.6	§
		Additional Steps
57		Set the system date/time and configure it to synchronize against campus time servers.		§	!
58		Install and enable anti-virus software.		§	!	!	3.1
59		Install and enable anti-spyware software.		§	!		3.2
60		Configure anti-virus software to update daily.		§	!	!	3.3
61		Configure anti-spyware software to update daily.		§	!		3.3
62		Provide secure storage for Category-I data as required by confidentiality, integrity, and availability needs. Security can be provided by means such as, but not limited to, encryption, access controls, filesystem audits, physically securing the storage media, or any combination thereof as deemed appropriate.		§	!		5.7
63		Install software to check the integrity of critical operating system files.		§	!		5.8
64		If RDP is utilized, set RDP connection encryption level to high.		§	!		5.6
		Physical Security
65		Set a BIOS/firmware password to prevent alterations in system start up settings.					4.1
66		Disable automatic administrative logon to recovery console.	2.3.13.1		!
67		Do not allow the system to be shut down without having to log on. (Default)	2.3.14.1		!	!
68		Configure the device boot order to prevent unauthorized booting from alternate media.			!		4.1
69		Configure a screen-saver to lock the console's screen automatically if the host is left unattended.		§	!	!

Anchor
note
note
UT Note: Addendum

...

This list provides specific tasks related to the computing environment at The University of Texas at Austin.

40Windows provides the Encrypting File System as a built-in mechanism to allow the encryption of individual users' files and folders. Be aware of the caveats involved in the use of EFS before implementing it for general use, though. Other options such as PGP , GNUPG , and TrueCrypt also exist.
Another encryption option to consider is whole-disk encryption, which encrypts the entire contents of the drive instead of just specific files and folders. Windows Vista and Windows 2008 come with BitLocker for this. TrueCrypt can also do whole-disk encryption in addition to file-based encryption. ITS provides WinMagic SecureDoc which is recommended for encrypting laptops.
We strongly recommend that, if encryption is being used in conjunction with Category I data, one of the solutions listed in the Approved Encryption Methods (EID required) be implemented.41This setting is configured using the Terminal Services Configuration tool. On the General tab of the properties of the RDP connection, select High from the list next to encryption level

1

Anchor

	r1
	r1

If other alternatives are unavailable, this can be accomplished by installing a SOHO router/firewall in between the network and the host to be protected.

2

Anchor

	r2
	r2

The Security Configuration Wizard can greatly simplify the hardening of the server. Once the role for the host is defined, the Security Configuration Wizard can help create a system configuration based specifically on that role. It does not completely get rid of the need to make other configuration changes, though. More information is available at: Security Configuration Wizard.

3

Anchor

	r3
	r3

There are several methods available to assist you in applying patches in a timely fashion:

Microsoft Update Service

Microsoft Update checks your machine to identify missing patches and allows you to download and install them.
This is different than the "Windows Update" that is the default on Windows. Microsoft Update includes updates for many more Microsoft products, such as Office and Forefront Client Security.
This service is compatible with Internet Explorer only.

Windows AutoUpdate via WSUS
ITS offers a Windows Server Update Services Server for campus use using Microsoft's own update servers. It includes updates for additional Microsoft products, just like Microsoft Update, and provides additional administrative control for software deployment.

Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer
This is a free host-based application that is available to download from Microsoft. In addition to detailing missing patches, this tool also performs checks on basic security settings and provides information on remediating any issues found.

4

Anchor

	r4
	r4

Configure Automatic Updates from the Automatic Updates control panel

On most servers, you should choose either "Download updates for me, but let me choose when to install them," or "Notify me but don't automatically download or install them."
The campus Windows Server Update Services server can be used as the source of automatic updates.

5

Anchor

	r5
	r5

Configuring the minimum password length settings is important only if another method of ensuring compliance with university password standards is not in place. The Information Resources Use and Security Policy requires passwords be a minimum of 8 characters in length. It is strongly recommended that passwords be at least 14 characters in length (which is also the recommendation of CIS).

6

Anchor

	r6
	r6

Configuring the password complexity setting is important only if another method of ensuring compliance with university password standards is not in place. The Information Resources Use and Security Policy requires that passwords contain letters, numbers, and special characters.

7

Anchor

	r7
	r7

If this option is enabled, the system will store passwords using a weak form of encryption that is susceptible to compromise. This configuration is disabled by default.

8

Anchor

	r8
	r8

Instead of the CIS recommended values, the account lockout policy should be configured as follows:

Account lockout duration — 5 minutes
Account lockout threshold — 5 failed attempts
Reset account lockout counter — 5 minutes

11

Anchor

	r11
	r11

Any account with this role is permitted to log in to the console. By default, this includes users in the Administrators, Users, and Backup Operators groups. It's unlikely that non-administrative users require this level of access and, in cases where the server is not physically secured, granting this right may facilitate a compromise of the device.

13

Anchor

	r13
	r13

The text of the university's official warning banner can be found on the ITS Web site. You may add localized information to the banner as long as the university banner is included.

14

Anchor

	r14
	r14

The use of Microsoft accounts can be blocked by configuring the group policy object at:

Code Block
Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Local Policies\ Security Options\Accounts: Block Microsoft accounts

This setting can be verified by auditing the registry key:

Code Block
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System\NoConnectedUser

42

Anchor

	r42
	r42

Logon information for domain accounts can be cached locally to allow users who have previously authenticated to do so again even if a domain controller cannot be contacted. By default 10 accounts will be cached locally, but there is a risk that in the event of a compromise an attacker could locate the cached credentials and use a brute force attack to discover the passwords. Therefore, it is recommended that this value be reduced so that fewer credentials will be placed at risk, and credentials will be cached for shorter periods of time in the case of devices that are logged into frequently by multiple users.

The group policy object below should be set to 4 or fewer logons:

Code Block
Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Local Policies\ Security Options\Interactive logon: Number of previous logons to cache (in case domain controller is not available)

43

Anchor

	r43
	r43

The Account Logon audit policy logs the results of validation tests of credentials submitted for user account logon requests. The server that is authoritative for the credentials must have this audit policy enabled. For domain member machines, this policy will only log events for local user accounts.