Server and Storage Security checklist (operational)

A Server Security Checklist that is universally applicable across different operating systems (Linux, Windows, and macOS) focuses on essential security principles while considering OS-specific features. Below is a comprehensive checklist:

Access Control and Authentication

1. Restrict Administrative Access: Disable direct root login (Linux/macOS) or Administrator account (Windows). Utilize privilege escalation tools (sudo for Linux/macOS, UAC for Windows.
2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enable MFA for all administrative accounts.
3. Strong Password Policies: Enforce complexity (minimum length, special characters) and implement account lockout for failed login attempts.
4. User Accounts: Remove or disable default accounts and regularly audit active user accounts and permissions.?

System and Software Updates

1. Enable Automatic Updates: Utilize tools like apt/dnf (Linux), Windows Update, or macOS App Store.
2. Patch Management: Regularly apply OS, firmware, and application patches and monitor advisories for critical vulnerabilities.
3. Following this checklist ensures that your server's security is robust and up-to-date across various operating systems.

Network Security

Firewalls:

1. Linux: Utilize iptables, nftables, or ufw for firewall protection.
2. Windows: Employ Windows Defender Firewall for network security.
3. macOS: Activate the built-in firewall to safeguard your network.

Port Management:

1. Open only essential ports such as 22 for SSH, 3389 for RDP (selected IP with source and destination clearly defined and not Network), and 443 for HTTPS.
2. Close any unused ports and services to prevent unauthorized access.

SSH/RDP Configuration:

1. Implement key-based authentication for Linux and macOS systems.
2. Customize default ports (e.g., change SSH from 22 to a unique port) for enhanced security.
3. Enable Network Level Authentication (NLA) for RDP on Windows machines.

File and Disk Security

File Permissions:

1. Linux/macOS: Utilize chmod and chown commands to control access to files.
2. Windows: Set NTFS permissions to manage file security effectively.

Encryption:

1. Encrypt sensitive data using tools like BitLocker (Windows), LUKS (Linux), or FileVault (macOS).
2. Encrypt backups to ensure the safety of your data.

File Integrity Monitoring:

1. Implement Tripwire or AIDE for Linux systems, or utilize Windows File Integrity Monitoring to monitor file integrity effectively.
2. Backup and Disaster Recovery
3. Regular Backups: Automate backups and store them offsite. Encrypt backup data to ensure the security of your information in case of a disaster.
4. Disaster Recovery Plan: Test recovery procedures regularly to ensure business continuity and minimize downtime in the event of a crisis.

Logging and Monitoring

1. Enable Logging: In Linux, use syslog or journald. For Windows, configure Event Viewer logs. On macOS, utilize the Console app for logs to keep track of system activities.
2. Centralized Logging: Implement ELK Stack, Splunk, or Graylog for centralized monitoring of your systems and applications.
3. Alerting: Configure alerts for unauthorized access, failed login attempts, and critical system changes to promptly address any potential security issues.
4. A dedicated team (L1) would look at these logs and report to L2/L3 team members

Malware Protection

1. Anti-Malware Tools: Use ClamAV or Maldet for Linux, Microsoft Defender or third-party antivirus for Windows, and XProtect or other solutions for macOS (Little Snitch/lulu).
2. Real-Time Scanning: Enable and update virus definitions regularly to protect your systems from malware threats.
3. Rootkit Scans: Utilize tools like rkhunter or chkrootkit for Linux to detect and remove rootkits.

Application Security

1. Web Application Firewalls (WAF): Deploy ModSecurity or similar tools to protect your web servers from cyber attacks.
2. Code Signing: Allow only signed applications to run on your systems to prevent unauthorized software from executing.
3. TLS/SSL Encryption: Secure web traffic with TLS/SSL certificates to protect sensitive data transmitted over the internet.

Vulnerability Management

1. Vulnerability Scanning: Conduct vulnerability scans using Nessus, OpenVAS, or Qualys to identify vulnerabilities in your systems and applications.
2. Penetration Testing: Conduct regular penetration tests to identify weaknesses and address security gaps proactively.
3. Patch High-Risk Vulnerabilities: Address critical vulnerabilities immediately to prevent potential security breaches.?

Backup and Disaster Recovery

1. Regular Backups: Automate backups and store them offsite. Encrypt backup data to ensure the security of your information in case of a disaster.
2. Disaster Recovery Plan: Test recovery procedures regularly to ensure business continuity and minimize downtime in the event of a crisis.
3. It's crucial to ensure that tapes are stored in a well-protected and temperature-controlled vault. Proper environmental conditions will help maintain the integrity of the storage media.
4. Additionally, labelling tapes is very important, especially during a crisis. Clear labelling allows for the quick identification of the correct tape, enabling efficient data retrieval when needed

Physical Security

1. Restrict Access: Secure servers in locked racks or controlled access rooms to prevent unauthorized physical access.
2. Environment Monitoring: Monitor temperature, humidity, and unauthorized access to ensure the safety
3. Ensure there are good high-resolution cameras on both the isle of the DC

Default Configurations

1. To enhance security measures, it is recommended to remove unused services such as FTP and Telnet. These services can pose potential risks and should be disabled.
2. Additionally, it is important to restrict default protocols by replacing insecure options like Telnet and FTP with more secure alternatives such as SSH and SFTP.
3. Guest accounts should also be disabled to prevent unauthorized access. In Linux, guest accounts can be locked, while in Windows, the Guest user should be disabled.

Security Policies

1. Regular security audits should be conducted to identify and address potential risks. This proactive approach can help mitigate security threats effectively.
2. It is crucial to train employees and staff on security awareness to recognize and prevent phishing and social engineering attacks. Educating employees on these threats can significantly reduce the likelihood of security breaches.

Tools

For multi-OS security, tools such as Nagios, Zabbix, and SolarWinds can be used for monitoring purposes. Additionally, Veeam and Acronis are recommended for backup solutions, while WSUS for Windows and Spacewalk for Linux can be utilized for patch management. These tools can help maintain a secure and efficient IT environment.

Storage (Enterprise) Security Checklist

(Dell, HPE, IBM, NetApp, Hitachi, Pure Storage, Infinidat)

I wanted to share a comprehensive Enterprise Storage Security Checklist that ensures your storage systems from all major OEMs are secure, compliant, and resilient against potential threats. This checklist combines universal security practices with unique OEM-specific features, providing added protection for your infrastructure.

Physical Security

1. Access Control: Restrict physical access to storage systems using biometric locks or smart access cards.
2. Environmental Monitoring: Implement temperature, humidity, and intrusion detection systems.
3. Surveillance: Deploy video monitoring for physical security and maintain logs of access.

Data Access Security

1. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Enforce RBAC to limit permissions to user roles.
2. Dell: Leverage Dell EMC Unisphere for user roles.
3. HPE: Use RBAC for granular access.
4. NetApp: Enable ONTAP RBAC with SVM-level roles.
5. IBM: Use RBAC for fine-grained user permissions.
6. Hitachi: Implement RBAC via Hitachi Ops Center.
7. Pure Storage: Use RBAC through Purity and Pure1.
8. Infinidat: Configure RBAC in Infinibox Unified Management.
9. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enable MFA for all administrative logins.
10. Audit User Access: Regularly review user access logs and disable inactive accounts.

Data Encryption

1. At Rest Encryption: Enable AES-256 encryption for data at rest across all platforms.
2. Dell: Use PowerStore/PowerMax built-in encryption.
3. HPE: Leverage StoreOnce or Primera encryption.
4. NetApp: Use NetApp Volume Encryption (NVE).
5. IBM: Enable encryption with Safeguarded Copy.
6. Hitachi: Use encryption via Virtual Storage Platform (VSP).
7. Pure Storage: Activate always-on encryption in Purity.
8. Infinidat: Use self-encrypting drives (SEDs) with InfiniGuard.
9. In Transit Encryption: Secure data replication and management traffic using TLS/SSL.

Storage Network Security

1. SAN Zoning and LUN Masking: Configure SAN zoning to restrict host access to specific storage devices. Implement LUN masking to isolate access to volumes.
2. Secure Protocols:Use secure management protocols (e.g., SSH, HTTPS, SNMPv3).Disable insecure protocols like Telnet and HTTP.
3. Network Isolation:Use dedicated VLANs or isolated networks for storage traffic. Restrict external access to storage management interfaces.

Firmware and Software Updates

1. Regular Updates: Apply updates and security patches promptly.
2. Dell: Use CloudIQ for firmware updates and proactive monitoring.
3. HPE: Leverage InfoSight for predictive analytics and firmware recommendations.
4. NetApp: Use Active IQ for proactive monitoring and updates.
5. IBM: Monitor IBM Fix Central for firmware updates.
6. Hitachi: Apply updates via Hitachi Ops Center.
7. Pure Storage: Rely on Pure1’s predictive support for updates.
8. Infinidat: Use Infinibox Advisor for software and firmware recommendations.

Data Backup and Recovery

1. Immutable Snapshots: Protect backups against deletion or modification.
2. Dell: Use PowerProtect Cyber Recovery Vault.
3. HPE: Enable StoreOnce Catalyst for immutable backups.
4. NetApp: Use SnapLock for immutable data storage.
5. IBM: Safeguarded Copy ensures immutable snapshots.
6. Hitachi: Leverage Object Replication and WORM storage.
7. Pure Storage: Activate SafeMode snapshots for ransomware protection.
8. Infinidat: Use InfiniGuard with immutable snapshot capabilities.
9. Disaster Recovery: Regularly test recovery plans to meet RTO/RPO objectives.

Monitoring and Logging

1. Centralized Logging: Forward logs to SIEM systems.
2. Anomaly Detection:Use AI/ML-based tools like Dell CloudIQ, HPE InfoSight, or Pure1 for proactive threat detection.
3. OEM-Specific Monitoring Tools:
4. Dell: Unisphere and CloudIQ.
5. HPE: InfoSight Analytics.
6. NetApp: Active IQ.
7. IBM: IBM Spectrum Control.
8. Hitachi: Ops Center Analyzer.
9. Pure Storage: Pure1.
10. Infinidat: Unified Management Console.

Compliance and Auditing

1. Compliance Standards: Ensure adherence to GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and ISO 27001.
2. Audit Trails: Enable detailed activity logs for user actions and access. Regularly review logs for anomalies or unauthorized actions.

Secure Management Practices

1. Default Credentials: Disable default accounts and change default passwords.
2. Session Management:Set session timeouts for inactive sessions. Enable logging for all administrative actions.
3. Restrict IP Access: Limit management interface access to specific IP ranges. create OOB network for all management access.

Data Sanitization and End-of-Life

1. Drive Wiping: Use OEM-certified tools to securely erase drives.
2. Dell: Data Wipe feature in PowerEdge RAID.
3. HPE: 3PAR/Primera Secure Erase.
4. NetApp: Secure Purge for sensitive data.
5. IBM: Secure Erase .
6. Hitachi: Secure Data Disposal tools.
7. Pure Storage: Rapid Data Lock.
8. Infinidat: Secure Data Deletion via InfiniGuard.

High Availability and Redundancy

1. Replication: Ensure synchronous or asynchronous replication between sites.
2. Dell: MetroDR for PowerMax and PowerStore.
3. HPE: Peer Persistence for 3PAR and Primera.NetApp: SnapMirror for replication.
4. IBM: Global Mirror .
5. Hitachi: GAD (Global Active Device) for active-active configurations.
6. Pure Storage: ActiveCluster for zero RPO solutions.
7. Infinidat: InfiniRaid for multi-tier redundancy.

Vendor-Specific Features (Each OEM offers unique tools to enhance security)

1. Dell: Secure Remote Services (SRS) for proactive support.
2. HPE: Secure Compute Lifecycle for end-to-end security.
3. NetApp: FPolicy for file-level monitoring and access control.
4. IBM: Safeguarded Copy for ransomware resilience.
5. Hitachi: Virtual Storage Platform encryption and access control.
6. Pure Storage: AI-driven insights through Pure1.
7. Infinidat: Neural Cache for real-time adaptive performance.

Note:- The information written in this article is based solely on my knowledge, experience, and understanding. While I strive to ensure accuracy and relevance, the content may not reflect the latest developments or apply to every situation. Readers are encouraged to seek professional advice or conduct further research for their specific needs