How can you perform a server security audit?

2 2. Gather information and documentation

The second step of a server security audit is to gather information and documentation about the server and its environment. This includes information such as the server configuration, operating system, applications, services, network, firewall, users, permissions, logs, backups, patches, and updates. You should also collect documentation such as policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines that relate to the server security. You can use tools such as nmap, netstat, ps, lsof, and df to scan and analyze the server.

4 4. Implement remediation actions

The fourth step of a server security audit is to implement remediation actions to address the vulnerabilities and risks that were found in the previous step. Remediation actions can include applying patches and updates, changing passwords and permissions, configuring firewall and antivirus, encrypting data and communication, sanitizing user input, implementing error handling, enabling logging and monitoring, and performing backups and restores. You should also document the remediation actions and their impact on the server security.

6 6. Report and review the findings

The sixth and final step of a server security audit is to report and review the findings of the audit. You should prepare a report that summarizes the scope, objectives, criteria, metrics, information, documentation, vulnerability assessment, remediation actions, verification, and testing of the audit. You should also include recommendations and best practices for improving the server security in the future. You should review the report with the stakeholders and follow up on the actions and improvements that are needed.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?