Windows Hardening Flashcards
What is a server?
A server is a computer that provides shared resources.
What is a client?
A client performs tasks for an end user.
What is an operating system?
Operating systems control the allocation and usage of hardware resources.
What components do servers consist of?
Processor
Disk
RAM Memory
Network cards
What installation types are there for Windows Server?
New install, no old files
Upgrade, keep old files
Migration, move old files to another server and do a fresh install on the original server.
What are the benefits of Server Core?
Reduced Servicing Overhead
Reduced Administrative Overhead
Reduced Resource Overhead
Reduced Attack Surface
Post-installation tasks after installing a Server?
Activate Windows
Set Time Zone
Configure network, computer name and domain
Configure automatic updates
Add server roles and features
Enable Remote Desktop
Configure Windows Firewall
Automated deployment
Build image files
Build unattended answer files
Create deployment transmission
Initiate installation from client
What is a Service?
A long running executable that performs a specific function without user intervention.
What service startup options are there?
Automatic (delayed)
Automatic
Disabled
Manual
Common causes of service failure?
Account restrictions
Dependencies
Corrupt or missing files
Solutions:
Reboot in Safe mode
Reboot in Last Known Good Configuration
Microsoft System Configuration Utility
What is a device?
A hardware component that serves a specific function and is installed in or attached to a computer.
What is a device driver?
A device driver is a small software program that allows the computer to communicate with a specific device.
What is driver signing?
A digital signature that shows the driver is from the publisher of the driver and whether or not it has been modified since signing.
What are the logical components of Active Directory Domain Services?
Partitions
Schema
Domains
Domain Trees
Forests
Sites
Organisational units
Containers
What are the physical components of Active Directory Domain Services?
Domain Controllers
Data Stores
Global catalog servers
Read only domain controllers
What do Active Directory Domain Services do?
Hold a database of users and computers
Replicate the database across multiple domain controllers
Administrate user and computer permissions and settings
Authenticate user sign ins within the domain
What are organisational units?
Units from which administrative permissions and policies can be applied to groups of users and computers.
What are domain controllers?
Servers that host the Active Directory Domain System database and System volume.
Authentication via Kerberos and Key Distribution Center.
What does the global catalog do?
Holds partial sets of attributes from domains across the forest.
For example schema information