Computer Hardening

As delivered by manufacturers and resellers, the default configurations for operating systems and applications are normally geared towards ease-of-deployment and ease-of-use – not security. Basic controls, open services and ports, default accounts or passwords, older (vulnerable) protocols, and pre-installation of unneeded software can be exploitable in their default state. Working with your business unit or college, IT Security Services will assist with developing configuration settings with good security properties to harden your devices. Rather than start from scratch developing a security baseline for each software system, IT Security Services leverages publicly developed, vetted, and supported security benchmarks, security guides, or checklists. More information can be found at security.uri.edu or if you require consultation please contact the IT Service Desk.