What's the best way to set up secure operating system standards?

Operating System security may be approached in many ways, including adherence to the following: 1. Performing regular OS patch updates. 2.Installing updated antivirus engines and software. 3. Scrutinizing all incoming and outgoing network traffic through a firewall. 4. Creating secure accounts with required privileges only (i.e., user management)

Since this is specifically about operating systems, things like network segmentation, network IPS, etc are out of scope. Really this comes down to 3 things: 1. Reduce surface area of potential attack. 2. Ensure known risks in remaining surface area are mitigated promptly. 3. Prepare contingencies for when the above two preparations were not sufficient. In other words: 1. Remove unecessary components 2. Configure remaing services securely and stay on top of patching and mitigating vulnerabilities as they arise (implies threat intelligence), and 3. Use EDR/XDR/MDR/SIEM and so on to try to catch compromises and preserve forensic artifacts. You can fit any security controls within one or more of those three areas, though it goes deep.

Setting up secure operating system standards is crucial to safeguarding sensitive data, protecting against cyber threats. Below are key steps to establish robust operating system standards: -Risk Assessment and Requirements Gathering: Begin by conducting a thorough risk assessment to identify potential vulnerabilities and threats. -Security Policy Development: Craft a comprehensive security policy that outlines the objectives, scope, and guidelines for the secure operating system. -Data Encryption: Require the encryption of sensitive data, both at rest and in transit. Use strong encryption algorithms and protect encryption keys. -Continuous Improvement: Establish a culture of continuous improvement by monitoring emerging threats.

Threat and Vulnerability Analysis; Comprehensive Security Policies; Secure Baseline Configuration; Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP); Continuous Patch Management; Robust Authentication Mechanisms; Data Encryption; Centralized Monitoring and Logging; Security Awareness Training; Administrator Privilege Management; Network Segmentation and Segregation; Penetration Testing and Security Audits; Incident Response Plan (IRP); Compliance with Security Standards; Continuous Improvement.

Remember, the process will vary based on the specifics of your organization and the operating systems you use. Its my idea may vary.

Baseline Configuration, Patch Management Process, Hardening Guide, and Compliance Monitoring are key to secure OS standards. The baseline sets minimum security settings, adjusted for specific needs. Patch management keeps systems updated against threats. The hardening guide provides extra security measures, from software reduction to user-level security. Lastly, a robust monitoring system ensures standard adherence, tracks configuration changes, detects unauthorized access, and identifies anomalies. Regular audits gauge standard effectiveness and improvement areas.

We rely heavily on technology for daily tasks, but protecting our personal data is crucial. Following secure standards can help safeguard against cyber threats. Tips include updating software, using antivirus software, and enabling two-factor authentication. Secure standards cover more than just virus protection, including data encryption and access controls. By sharing knowledge and following best practices, we can create a cybersecurity culture for a safer online environment.

Operating system should have secure boot functionality enabled. In that way you are ensuring chain of trust and root of trust...

It's to install reputable and reliable antivirus and firewall software and update them regularly, also configure them according to one's needs and preferences, such as setting the level of protection, scanning frequency, and notification options

Few additional point are - Never use default ports at OS level - Only open ports you know that you will need - No one should be allowed to use the root or the administrator.

Consider using an operating system that adheres to standards. There are times where you can even nest an operating system that doesn't fulfill certain standards within one that does. (Consider mitigating risks when doing so) I can't say the amount of times this has totally saved not just my bacon, but the customer and even their client's... I love doing something like this within a virtual environment that stores on top of ZFS whether locally or over the network.