Problem Statement
How would you create and maintain a hardened baseline build for Windows and Linux?
Explanation
Start with a trusted image and apply a recognized benchmark such as the CIS Benchmark to set secure defaults. Disable unused services, enforce password and lockout policies, enable disk encryption, configure logging (Windows: Sysmon plus security logs; Linux: auditd and systemd-journald), and turn on host firewalls. Automate with configuration management so every server is built the same. Continuously scan for drift, patch on a risk-based cadence, and review the baseline quarterly or when major vendor updates land. This process shrinks attack surface and keeps builds consistent across fleets.
Code Solution
SolutionRead Only
Pipeline steps: Image → CIS hardening → Join domain/IdP → Install EDR → Enable logs → Encrypt disk → Register in CM → Compliance scan
