CIS Firewall Hardening: Best Practices and Guidelines

Last updated September 11th, 2024 by Avigdor Book

• Cybersecurity
• Firewall Best Practices
• Network Security Automation

Industry-recognized guidelines such as CIS firewallhardening are essential for best-in-class cybersecurityand secure configuration. This is especially important given that the latest versions of popular operating systemslike Windowshave numerous vulnerabilities.

Such guidelines as CIS benchmarksand controls can significantly improve the functionalityand resilience of your firewall. Learn more about how Tufin helps.

The Importance of CIS Firewall Hardening

Also known as CIS firewallhardening, firewalland network devicehardening is performed using CIS benchmarksand best practice guidelines. The objective of firewalland network devicehardening is to implement security controlsfor firewallsand network devicesin a way that minimizes flaws and reduces the attack surface, to prevent unauthorized access(and permissions) into target computers and networks.

By deploying CIS controls, you can achieve a secure configurationof its IT systems, which can help reduce the attack surface.

CIS firewallhardening brings many benefits to the table. Overall security postureis improved as security policies(like not allowing someone to port scan you) and access controls(such as preventing someone without a valid reason) are enforced. Doing these things reduces threats, cyberattacksand malwareinfecting systems. Further, following CIS guidelines helps to achieve PCI DSS, HIPAAcompliance, and other NISTregulations.

Finally, these are official security baselinesthat help to configure operating systems, like Windowsor Linux, properly and prevent accidental (or deliberate) misconfigurations. Looking for more on security baselines? Check out theSTIG vs CIS landscape security baselinescomparison.

CIS Firewall Hardening in Practice

Firewallsthat are CIS hardened as well as hardening the organization's implementation plan for adhering to the CIS benchmarkcreates a strong cybersecurity framework. It also makes sure that the network devicesand operating systemsare as secured as possible.

The CIS benchmarkincludes detailed guidelines for security settingsfor all possible scenarios, resulting in a more robust security posturefor the IT systems. Review the recommendedISO27001 firewallsecurity audit checklistto further protect the security of your IT systems.

For instance, we helped a large global financial services organization to implement CIS firewallhardening through our continuous compliance solution. The financial services organization was able to automateand enforce the CIS controlsto reduce the attack surfaceand lower their risk of a data breach, while simultaneously achieving compliance with other industry standards for security.

Only way to keep a configuration secure is by regularly updating firewallrules and getting it into compliance such as the Cisco Meraki firewallbest practicesexample, so that security vulnerabilitiescan be minimized.

Tufin Capabilities in CIS Firewall Hardening

In comparison, Tufin brings new levels of automationthat enable CIS benchmarksto be used to harden firewalls. Using Tufin, security controlsand configurations can be centrally enforced to lock down network devicesand operating systemson an ongoing basis so that they remain protected against potential vulnerabilitiesand the risk of threats that lead to security breaches. Tufin's ability to give visibility and control over such complex network environments is what makes it a leader in the space.

TheTufin Orchestration Suitehelps IT executives manage their network security policiesacross a myriad of platforms - be it on-premises, or in the cloud, with Microsoft Azure, Amazonor any other firewall vendor. This kind of view drastically cuts down the risk of misconfigurationsand ensures that all the proper security controlsare in place.

Similarly, Tufin's solutions help customers comply with international security standards. Tufin's solutions are especially useful for organizations that are subject to strict regulatory requirements such as PCI DSSand HIPAA.

Anybody looking to understand the significance of CIS benchmarksfor security and compliance can refer to resources such asThis is why CIS benchmarksare critical for security and compliance. Once the modeling is completed by Tufin's tool, users can then set a secure configurationthat reduces the attack surfaceand improves the overall security of the network.

By following security best practicesand using advanced solutions, you can secure your network devicesand operating systems, minimize misconfigurations, and ensure compliance with security standards.

Tufin's approach to network security, including automationand visibility across platforms like Microsoft Azureand Amazon, helps mitigate vulnerabilitiesand unauthorized access. To enhance your security measuresand see how Tufin can benefit you,get a demo.

FAQs

Q: What is CIS firewall hardening?

A: Stateful and non-stateful CIS firewallhardening relies on firewalland network devicevulnerabilitiesdue to misconfigurationsand scripting to harden firewallsand network devicesaccording to CIS benchmarkrecommendations to ensure secure network access and prevent unauthorized accessand systems.

For more insights on security baselines, see theSTIG vs CIS landscape security baselinescomparison.

Q: Why is CIS firewall hardening important?

A: Hardening is the process of configuring the CIS firewallrules to mitigate various attacks such as DoS, malware, CGI attacks etc. It also reduces the attack surfaceand securely configures the firewall. Additionally, the process assists security teams in adhering to security policies, workbenchmetrics, and industry-wide and standards like PCI DSSand HIPAA.

Improve your organization'snetwork securitywith the ISO27001 firewallsecurity audit checklist.

Q: How can I implement CIS firewall hardening best practices?

A: CIS firewallhardening best practices can involve aligning with CIS benchmarks, keeping firewallsettings up to date, and automating security controlsto avoid misconfigurations. Monitoring key metrics, such as firewallrule performance and endpointsecurity, plays a critical role in maintaining a robust defense.

Additionally, disablingunnecessary services and ports can further enhance security. Solutions that provide visibility and control into complex network environments will also help secure the network by reducing potential vulnerabilities.

Explore practical tips in the Firewall Change Management Best Practicesblog.

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