Network Hardening

Network hardening is a cybersecurity practice that involves securing a computer network by reducing its attack surface and vulnerabilities. It includes implementing security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, access controls, and regular updates to protect against unauthorized access, attacks, and data breaches. The goal is to make the network more resilient to threats while maintaining functionality and performance.

Also known as: Network Security Hardening, Network Fortification, Network Strengthening, Securing Networks, Network Defense

Why learn Network Hardening?

Developers should learn network hardening to build secure applications and infrastructure, especially in roles involving DevOps, cloud computing, or system administration. It is critical for compliance with standards like ISO 27001 or GDPR, and for protecting sensitive data in industries such as finance, healthcare, and e-commerce. Use cases include securing web servers, cloud environments, and IoT devices to prevent exploits like DDoS attacks or data leaks.

Learning Resources

• docs: NIST Guide to General Server Security
• docs: CIS Benchmarks for Network Security
• video: Network Hardening Tutorial on YouTube by NetworkChuck
• course: Coursera Course: Introduction to Cybersecurity Tools & Cyber Attacks
• docs: OWASP Top Ten for Network Security