Question

In your original post, answer the following:

• What is hardening?
• Why is hardening important after installing a Linux OS?
• What are the similarities and differences of hardening Fedora vs Ubuntu?
• If you do not do any hardening, what impact will this have on your system?

Answer 1

Hardening:

Hardening or system hardening refers to reducing vulnerability in the system by the use of tools, practices, and techniques. It helps in finding errors and bugs in firmware, applications, etc. It helps in minimizing security risk and eliminating attack vectors from the system.

Importance of hardening:

Hardening is important because it helps in keeping the system and all its applications secure. It works with ports, access, permissions, account functions, programs, etc. The risk of malicious attack is removed from the system.

Hardening in Fedora and Ubuntu:

Similarity:

For both the operating systems, the option is available after the installation. The configuration is very simple and can be changed whenever possible.

Difference:

In Fedora the main focus is on encrypting data to be transferred on the internet. This also minimizes the need to install multiple software products. The security of the applications is also enhanced.

For Ubuntu the main focus is on keeping the system updated with the latest accounts. The accounts are usually locked. Ubuntu also offers sudo configuration where the details are saved in a temporary file.

Impact of not doing hardening:

If hardening is not performed, the system is considered vulnerable to many loopholes in it. The security of the system is not high. It can create huge risk for the businesses. There will be no limitations or boundaries when it comes to outside access to the system.