How to secure a Windows server

But, you can do more to ensure your Windows servers have sufficient defense against potential threats. Protect credentials and implement privileged access workstations. There is no doubt about it that Windows Server 2016 is Microsoft’s most powerful server operating system. If you have been waiting on reasons to upgrade server infrastructure to Server 2016, security may be among the top reasons why you would want to do so.

When it comes to your Windows Server security, it is always good to be on top of things by auditing the system for security risks regularly. You can start by installing the latest updates, protect the admin account, use the Windows Server Core mode whenever possible, and enable drive encryption through BitLocker. Monitoring login attempts is useful to prevent intrusion and protect your server against brute force attacks. Dedicated intrusion prevention tools can help you view and review all log files and send alerts if suspicious activities are detected. Based on the alerts, you can take appropriate action to block the IP addresses from connecting to your servers.

Backdoor Deployment and Ransomware: Top Threats Identified in X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2023

It touts some of the most advanced new security features released by Microsoft to date. Microsoft has come a long way with Windows in the security realm and the proactive and robust security features of Windows Server 2016 prove the point. Let’s take a look at Windows Server 2016 security features and hardening that make it a great enterprise server operating system from a security perspective.

43Logon 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. This exam focuses on securing Windows Server 2016 environments, with a strong emphasis on hardening server infrastructure including securing virtual machines with guarded fabric and other technologies. This course is for IT professionals who need to securely administer Windows Server 2016 networks.

Passleader Engine Features

However, you need to figure out which tools you should use and how to configure them. In this course, https://remotemode.net/ Virtualization, you’ll learn foundational knowledge needed to gain the ability to secure your virtual machines using a variety of tools. First, you will learn how to harden your virtual machine infrastructure. Finally, you’ll learn how to avoid giving too many rights to too many people. When you’re finished with this course, you will have the skills and knowledge of securing your virtual machine environment needed to protect your clients.

You can run a port scan to check which network services are exposed to the internet. During encryption, BitLocker captures information about your computer and uses it to verify the authenticity of the computer. Once verified, you can log in to your computer using the password. When suspicious activity is detected, BitLocker will ask you to enter the recovery key. Unless the decryption key is provided, the data will remain locked. Similar to Windows 10 Pro, the server edition of the operating system comes with a built-in drive encryption tool called BitLocker.

Create individual administrative accounts:

The most valuable data in your organization is likely to be held in Active Directory , databases, and on file servers. We often pay a lot of attention to securing AD and databases but file servers should also be appropriately secured. One of the biggest flaws in using virtual machines is that those with admin access to the hypervisor can wreak havoc on your virtual infrastructure. However, a new feature in Windows Server 2016 allows VMs to run from encrypted hard drive files, which in turn makes it more difficult to make changes. Each VM uses a virtual TPM to enable disk encryption with BitLocker.

Since there are lesser ports actively listening over the public interface, the server is less exposed to malicious users and threats. This module explains how to secure network traffic and how to use Microsoft Message Analyzer, Server Message Block encryption, and Domain Name System Security Extensions . When used, MBSA will check for Windows administrative vulnerabilities such as weak passwords, the presence of SQL and IIS vulnerabilities, and the missing security updates on individual systems. It can also scan an individual or group of computers by IP address, domain, and other attributes.

Tips for Securing Windows File Servers

Learners must complete the course with the minimum passing grade requirements and within the duration time specified. This course is classified by QuickStart as a level of Advanced. Learn on-demand from top instructors who are industry subject securing windows server 2016 matter experts. Our highly certified expert instructors possess a superior understanding of the subject matter in their fields and have the ability to convey this knowledge in an effective, engaging, and professional manner to a wide audience.