Server Hardening: Strategies for IT Professionals and MSPs

For IT professionals and managed service providers (MSPs), server hardening is essential for protecting both internal operations and client data. Considering the average ransomware demand was $2.75 million in 2024, IT teams need to minimize and defend every potential attack surface, including servers.

In this post, we’ll explain why server hardening should be a priority for IT teams and MSPs. We’ll also share strategies for implementing a server hardening process and a checklist to get you started. 

The business case for server hardening

Server hardening delivers benefits that extend beyond technical security improvements, including:

• Compliance: Frameworks like HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR, and SOC 2 include standards for server hardening. Failure to meet these standards can result in fines and potential legal trouble.
• Competitive advantage: MSPs who offer server hardening as a core service may appeal to clients who prioritize cybersecurity.
• Client trust and retention: Demonstrating a commitment to security measures builds client trust, which can drive long-term partnerships and referrals.

Server hardening fundamentals

Server hardening may include deactivating or uninstalling unnecessary software, applying strict access controls, and ensuring security patches are current. 

Some of the most common vulnerabilities addressed through server hardening include:

• Unpatched software and operating systems
• Weak or default credentials
• Unnecessary open ports and services
• Misconfigured security settings
• Excessive user privileges
• Inadequate encryption
• Insufficient logging and monitoring

Server hardening methodologies and frameworks

Achieving fully hardened servers requires a methodical approach. Several established strategies guide the process:

• Defense-in-depth: Implements multiple security controls across the infrastructure to create overlapping layers of defense. If one protective measure fails, additional layers remain intact.
• Principle of least privilege: Assigns users, processes, and applications only the permissions essential for their tasks. 
• Risk-based vs. compliance-based hardening: Risk-based hardening addresses unique vulnerabilities and likely threats within your environment, while compliance-based hardening focuses on regulatory obligations. A balanced approach combines both.
• Continuous hardening: Ongoing monitoring and automated remediation allow security measures to maintain pace with evolving threats.

Principles of the server hardening process

1. Maintain an up-to-date record of hardware specifications, operating systems, applications, networks, and data classification levels.
2. Use references like CIS Benchmarks to create an internal policy detailing the security measures each server must meet.
3. Build a standardized and strictly configured process for deploying new servers. 
4. Execute the controls identified in your standards, from physical security to OS and application settings.
5. Test to confirm these measures protect servers without disrupting essential services or workflows.
6. Log all relevant changes to form a reference point for audits and future modifications.
7. Use automated systems for continuous monitoring and alerting, spotting deviations from the secure baseline.

Secure server location and physical access controls

Physical security is an important component of server hardening policy. Consider processes for:

• Data center security: Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA), maintain a visitor log, install cameras, and apply tamper-evident seals.
• Environmental controls: Stabilize temperature and humidity, set up redundant power sources, deploy fire-suppression systems, and set up alerts for environmental fluctuations.
• Disaster recovery: Choose server locations with minimal environmental hazards, and employ geographical redundancy and documented restoration protocols.

Server hardening checklist

User account and authentication hardening

• Implement least privilege for every user.
• Disable or remove all default/guest accounts.
• Enforce stringent password policies (length, complexity, rotation).
• Deploy account lockout mechanisms for failed login attempts.
• Require MFA for admin-level privileges.
• Restrict accounts to certain timeframes, if beneficial.
• Set up separate administrative accounts for system management.
• Conduct periodic reviews and cleanups of user entitlements.

Network security hardening

• Set up host-based firewalls aligned to a default-deny stance.
• Close unused ports and disable unnecessary protocols.
• Segment your network to contain server environments.
• Use intrusion detection/prevention solutions for real-time threat response.
• Offer secure remote VPN access with MFA.
• Enable IP filtering for added connection restrictions.
• Enforce current TLS/SSL settings with strong ciphers.
• Maintain up-to-date logging and monitoring.

Operating system (OS) hardening

• Automate OS patching.
• Shut off redundant services.
• Track alterations to system files using integrity checks.
• Set up consistent logging and rotate logs appropriately.
• Add endpoint protection tools.
• Encrypt sensitive data on disks.

Application and service hardening

• Eliminate unessential applications.
• Configure required services securely with a known baseline.
• Use application whitelisting/allowlisting.
• Harden web servers if hosting websites (e.g., limit headers, restrict methods).
• Secure database servers with authentication/encryption settings.
• Manage error handling to avoid disclosing system details.
• Enable logging to identify potential issues.
• Pair web servers with application firewalls.
• Scan regularly for application vulnerabilities.
• Encourage or enforce secure coding for custom applications.

How to build server hardening into your MSP offering

• Packaging and pricing: Develop tiered packages (basic vs. advanced hardening), factoring in workload types and regulatory constraints. High-compliance sectors might want more stringent safeguards.
• Market your expertise: Highlight real outcomes and success stories. Pursue recognized certifications and share knowledge at industry events.
• Onboarding best practices: Perform a baseline security audit during onboarding, chart out a schedule for recommended improvements, and divide major tasks into phases.

Simplify server hardening with Syncro

A good server hardening plan addresses everything from physical security to strict application controls. Server hardening is an ongoing task that requires periodic testing, rolling updates, and continuous refinements. Syncro’s scripting and automation capabilities help MSPs and IT teams strengthen servers with less manual effort.  

See what Syncro can do for your business. Try it for free today!

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By

Daniel Hedges

I love solving complex puzzles and helping partners optimize workflows by applying real-world experience from my time in internal IT and MSP environments. My goal is to help MSPs overcome the challenges I’ve faced, streamline operations, and deliver consistent, high-quality service to their clients.

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