Seintec's Responsibilities
We conduct the initial audit, draw up the action plan, implement the agreed configuration changes, document the final state, and provide the necessary support throughout the process.
Cybersecurity
Hardening Services for Servers and Microsoft 365
We strengthen your IT infrastructure's security by applying secure configurations to Windows and Linux servers, and your Microsoft 365 environment, to minimise vulnerabilities and reduce the attack surface.
- Based on CIS Benchmarks
- Windows Server and Linux
- Microsoft 365 Security
- Reduces the attack surface
What is Hardening and Why is it Critical for Your Business?
Hardening is the process of configuring a computer system to reduce its attack surface to a minimum. It involves removing or disabling unnecessary services, applications, ports, permissions, and features that could be exploited by an attacker, applying the principle of least privilege.
Applied to Windows/Linux servers and platforms like Microsoft 365, hardening is a fundamental, proactive layer of cybersecurity. It doesn't wait for an incident to occur; instead, it makes them harder to happen from the ground up by strengthening default configurations and aligning them with recognised best practices, such as the guidelines from the Center for Internet Security (CIS).
Who it's for
For businesses seeking a solid security foundation
This service is essential for any organisation that manages its own servers (physical or virtual, on-premises or in the cloud) or relies on Microsoft 365 for its daily operations, and needs to ensure its baseline configuration is robust and secure.
- Companies with Windows Server or Linux servers hosting critical applications.
- Organisations using Microsoft 365 that want to secure their data and communications.
- Businesses that need to align their security with industry standards and best practices.
- Firms looking to proactively strengthen their defences to reduce the risk of incidents.
Scope of Service
What We Secure in Your Systems
Our hardening process covers the key components of servers and the Microsoft 365 tenant, always aiming to bolster security without impacting essential business functions.
Server Hardening (Windows and Linux)
- Review and minimisation of installed services and software.
- Secure configuration of user accounts and password policies.
- Strengthening of file system and permissions.
- Enabling and configuring data encryption.
- Adjustment of network settings and host firewall.
- Configuration and centralisation of logs for auditing.
Microsoft 365 Hardening
- Implementation and tuning of multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Definition and deployment of Conditional Access policies.
- Review and securing of email policies (anti-spam, anti-phishing).
- Analysis and application of least privilege to SharePoint and OneDrive permissions.
- Configuration of device security policies.
- Audit of general tenant security settings.
We use CIS Benchmarks as our primary reference to establish an internationally recognised security baseline.
Collaboration Model
A team effort: clear responsibilities
A successful hardening project is built on transparent collaboration. We define each party's role from the outset.
The Client's Responsibilities
To provide the necessary access, validate the action plan, confirm the maintenance windows for applying changes, and verify the functionality of critical applications post-implementation.
The Manufacturer's Responsibilities (e.g., Microsoft)
To secure the underlying infrastructure of their cloud services (shared responsibility model) and provide the configuration tools that we use to secure the environment.
What's Not Included
Scope and Limitations of the Hardening Service
Hardening is a fundamental protective measure, but it's important to understand its scope. It's not a silver bullet, but a key part of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.
- It does not replace other solutions like antivirus/EDR, perimeter firewalls, or backups. It is a complementary measure.
- It does not cover fixing vulnerabilities in the code of custom-developed applications, although it does secure the server on which they run.
- The protection focuses on configuration. It does not prevent social engineering attacks against users, though it can mitigate their impact.
- It does not guarantee absolute impenetrability. Cybersecurity is a process of continuous improvement to reduce risk, not eliminate it entirely.
Our Approach
In-house technical team: your direct security expert, no intermediaries
In an area as sensitive as your systems' security, trust and direct communication are paramount. At Seintec, the same team with over 15 years of experience that audits your infrastructure is the one that implements the improvements, and you will always have a single technical point of contact.
This approach eliminates intermediaries and misunderstandings. It allows us to gain a deep understanding of your business and your infrastructure—whether it's at your offices or in our own datacentre in Sant Miquel de Balenyà (Osona)—to apply hardening that is effective and tailored to your reality, not just a simple checklist.
How We Implement Hardening in Your Business
- 01
1. Audit and Diagnosis
We start with a free initial review or an in-depth paid audit to analyse the current configuration of your servers and/or your Microsoft 365 tenant and identify weaknesses.
- 02
2. Action Plan and Proposal
We prepare a detailed report with our findings and a prioritised action plan. We explain the changes we propose and why. The cost of a paid audit is deducted if you proceed with the improvements.
- 03
3. Controlled Implementation
Once the plan is approved, we proceed with applying the changes in a controlled and planned manner, typically during agreed maintenance windows to minimise any potential operational impact.
- 04
4. Verification and Documentation
Working with your team, we validate that all critical services are functioning correctly after hardening. We provide technical documentation detailing the final configuration applied.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hardening
Can a hardening process affect system performance?
The goal is to improve security without negatively impacting operations. All changes are planned and evaluated beforehand to ensure compatibility. Minimising unnecessary services can sometimes even slightly improve performance.
Is this a one-off project or an ongoing service?
It can be both. We offer one-off projects to establish a secure baseline configuration, as well as ongoing management services to maintain and adapt that security over time against new threats.
What security standard do you use as a reference?
We follow industry best practices, primarily the CIS Benchmarks (Center for Internet Security), which are globally recognised secure configuration guidelines for a wide variety of technologies.
Does this service replace antivirus, firewalls, or backups?
No. Hardening is a proactive security layer that complements the others. A hardened system still needs anti-malware protection (EDR), a firewall to control network traffic, and backups for disaster recovery.
How do you ensure the changes won't disrupt our work?
Communication is key. All changes are documented in an action plan that the client must approve. Implementation is scheduled during agreed maintenance windows, minimising impact on business hours.
Do you offer hardening for servers hosted outside of Seintec?
Yes. Our hardening service applies to infrastructure hosted in our Osona datacentre as well as to on-premise servers at the client's offices or in third-party clouds.
Next step
Is Your Infrastructure Robust Enough?
A default configuration is not a secure configuration. Take the first step towards protecting your systems with a free IT review. We will analyse your current setup and propose a plan to strengthen your defences.