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Security Hardening
Strengthen your defences against threats
By reducing vulnerabilities and tightening access, we help protect your organisation from cyber attacks, improve compliance, and maintain a robust security posture.
About security hardening
Security hardening is the process of strengthening your organisation’s IT systems, servers and networks to protect against cyber threats and prevent attackers from exploiting known vulnerabilities. It involves applying robust security controls, removing unnecessary software, disabling default settings and managing passwords to reduce your attack surface.
System hardening and server hardening are essential for securing operating systems, user accounts and critical assets. By enforcing the principle of least privilege and aligning with CIS benchmarks, organisations can prevent unauthorised network access, safeguard sensitive data and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.
Security hardening is not a one-off task – it’s a continuous process that includes patching vulnerabilities, monitoring for suspicious activity and reviewing firewall rules to ensure security across your IT environment.
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Why choose Zensec
Zensec helps organisations across the UK protect their systems, servers and networks with expert-led security hardening services. Our consultants work closely with your security team to assess, implement and manage security controls that reduce risk and improve your overall security posture.
We specialise in system hardening, server hardening and operating system protection, helping you secure user accounts, apply patches and eliminate unnecessary services. Our approach is built on real-world experience responding to data breaches, ransomware attacks and configuration drift across thousands of organisations.
Whether you’re securing cloud infrastructure, physical locations or legacy systems, Zensec provides the tools, resources and support your security teams need to prevent attackers and maintain secure systems.
We are equipped to deal with an attack from any ransomware group.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you are under attack from a ransomware group not listed above.
Key features of security hardening
- Server hardening: Secure your servers by removing default passwords, disabling unnecessary software and applying patches.
- System hardening: Lock down user privileges and network configurations to prevent attackers from exploiting vulnerabilities.
- Firewall configuration: Review and optimise firewall rules to block suspicious activity and unauthorised access.
- Compliance alignment: Meet regulatory requirements with secure configurations based on CIS benchmarks and zero trust principles.
- Continuous monitoring: Detect configuration drift and maintain security over time.
- Project management: Structured delivery with clear documentation, stakeholder engagement and operational handover.
Known threat actors
Ransomware groups behind the attacks
Below is a breakdown of the most active ransomware groups and the variants driving their attacks.
Our security hardening and project management process
Zensec’s hardening process is delivered through a structured project methodology designed to maximise output and minimise risk.
Project execution
Our project manager oversees the timeline and ensures each phase is completed efficiently. Engineers apply CIS benchmarks, review firewall rules, disable unnecessary software and secure operating systems against known vulnerabilities.
Design and planning
Escalation and support
If issues arise, such as scope changes, delays or technical challenges, our escalation process ensures they are resolved quickly to protect your organisation’s ability to maintain security.
Documentation and handover
At completion, we provide full documentation of the hardening process, including configuration details, patching activities and secure settings. This is handed over to your internal IT team or our 24/7 SOC for ongoing support and continuous monitoring.
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Frequently asked questions
Key information when you’re under pressure.
Server hardening focuses on securing server environments, while system hardening applies to all IT systems, including user accounts and network devices. Both aim to reduce vulnerabilities and prevent unauthorised access.
Security hardening protects sensitive data and critical assets from cyber threats. It helps prevent data breaches, supports compliance frameworks and strengthens your organisation’s overall security posture.
Common targets include servers, firewall rules, user accounts and software configurations. We also assess unnecessary services and default settings that could be exploited by threat actors.
We provide a structured hardening process, including workshops, technical assessments, patching vulnerabilities and documentation. Our team works closely with your security team to ensure security and regulatory compliance.
Configuration drift occurs when systems deviate from their secure standard over time. Zensec uses continuous monitoring and regular reviews to detect drift and apply corrective actions.
Yes. Our hardening services align with CIS benchmarks, zero trust principles and other compliance frameworks. We help document results and support your organisation in meeting regulatory requirements.
Dealing with a ransomware attack?
Our ransomware recovery service can help
Our expert team works quickly to contain the breach, recover your data, and restore your systems to full operation. We’ll guide you through every step of the recovery process and help strengthen your defences to prevent future attacks. Regain control with Zensec - trusted support when it matters most.