Security Strategies in Linux Platforms and Applications, 3rd Edition

Starting a Hardened System

Hardening is the process of locking down a system to protect it and any resources that may reside on it. These resources include the data, the services, and the system itself.

One goal malicious users might have is to acquire more systems that could be used by the attackers for their computing power. Attackers may be looking to get access to one of your systems simply to have it under their control. Some Linux distributions have a minimal installation option, which should be the bare minimum when it comes to software packages. This would be just enough for you to be able to log in, perform basic functions, add software, and administer the system. You won’t be able to do a lot with a system with a minimum number of ...