CIS Hardening: Servers secured to international standards
Proven security, demonstrable compliance, full control
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Ready-to-deploy server security
CIS Hardened Images are pre-configured server images that immediately comply with international security standards. Instead of manually adjusting hundreds of settings, you start with a server that’s secured from day one.
No weeks of configuration — a fully secured environment within 5 business days
Configurations developed by 12,000+ security experts worldwide
Prevent expensive security incidents and save on manual configuration
A standard server is like a house with all doors and windows open. CIS Hardening closes everything that’s not needed, installs locks, and activates an alarm system. Only the front door remains open — with a good guard in front of it.
What is CIS Hardening?
Every server that’s online is a potential target. Default installations of Windows, Linux, or cloud environments often contain unnecessary services, overly broad permissions, and insecure default settings.
CIS Hardening is the process of configuring IT systems according to the security guidelines of the Center for Internet Security. This non-profit organization develops, together with a global community of security experts, concrete best practices for securing systems.
Hardening literally means ‘making harder’: the difference from a standard installation is comparable to the difference between a house with open doors and windows, versus a house with locks, an alarm system, and security cameras.
CIS Benchmark security levels
Basic Security
Essential security measures that can be applied to any system. Minimal impact on functionality or usability.
Extended Security
Stricter configurations for environments with elevated security requirements. Provides in-depth protection for sensitive data.
Government Level
Configurations that comply with the Security Technical Implementation Guide. The strictest level for maximum security.
What specifically gets addressed?
With CIS Hardening, we systematically review all configuration aspects of a system. These are the key areas:
🔐 Access Management
- Enforce complex password requirements
- Account lockout after failed attempts
- Disable unused accounts
- Restrict root/admin access
🌐 Network Security
- Only necessary ports open
- Tighten firewall rules
- Disable insecure protocols
- Enforce TLS 1.2+ for all connections
⚙️ System Configuration
- Disable unnecessary services
- Enable automatic updates
- Secure boot configuration
- File system hardening
📊 Monitoring & Logging
- Audit logging for all critical events
- Login/logout registration
- File access logging
- Central log aggregation
Benefits of CIS Hardening
Reduced Risk
By disabling unnecessary services and ports, there are simply fewer entry points for attackers.
Demonstrable Compliance
CIS Benchmarks are recognized by NIST, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. Audits become easier.
Consistent Security
No ad-hoc configurations, but a standardized approach that’s reproducible and auditable.
Faster Response
With extensive logging, you know exactly what’s happening. Information is immediately available during incidents.
CIS Hardened vs. standard hosting
Hover over an item for more explanation ℹ️
| Aspect | CIS Hardened | Standard hosting |
|---|---|---|
| Unnecessary servicesServices are programs that run in the background. Many servers have default services active that you don’t use, but that can still be hacked. Think of old mail protocols or test environments. | ✓ Disabled | Often active |
| Password policyRules for how strong passwords must be and how often they expire. CIS requires at least 14 characters, complexity requirements, and account lockout after too many failed attempts. | ✓ Enforced | Basic or none |
| Audit loggingA log of everything that happens on the server: who logs in, which files are opened, what changes are made. Essential for reviewing what went wrong after an incident. | ✓ Extensive (90+ days) | Limited or none |
| Firewall configurationDetermines what network traffic can enter and leave the server. CIS Hardening opens only the ports that are truly needed (e.g., port 443 for HTTPS) and blocks all other traffic. | ✓ Minimal ports | Often too broad |
| Security updatesPatches that fix vulnerabilities in software. New vulnerabilities are discovered every day. Automatic updates ensure your server is protected within hours, not just when someone remembers to update. | ✓ Automatic | Manual/ad-hoc |
| Compliance reportingDocuments that demonstrate your server meets security standards. Useful for audits, certifications, or when a client asks: “How is my data secured?” | ✓ Available | Not standard |
CIS Hardening for your industry
Government & Public Sector
CIS Hardening helps meet public sector security requirements and prepares for NIS2 compliance.
Healthcare & Welfare
Protection of patient data and medical records with enterprise-grade security.
Legal & Financial
Demonstrable security for confidential client data and compliance with regulators.
SMB with Sensitive Data
Enterprise-grade security without an enterprise budget. One standard for all systems.
CIS Hardening at EasyData
We apply CIS Hardening to all our servers, from Nextcloud environments to document processing platforms. The result: significantly reduced risk and demonstrable compliance for audits.
🖥️ Where we apply it
- Nextcloud environments for secure file sharing
- Document processing servers for OCR and AI
- Cloud infrastructure in our datacenter
- All client-specific application servers
🔧 What we specifically do
- Initial hardening according to CIS Benchmark Level 1 or 2
- Monthly compliance scans with reporting
- Automatic security updates
- Annual re-assessment for new benchmark versions
Ready for servers that are truly secured?
Request a free security assessment. We analyze your current situation and show how CIS Hardening can strengthen your environment.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between CIS Hardening and a firewall?
A firewall monitors network traffic; CIS Hardening secures the system itself. They complement each other: the firewall is the outer wall, hardening secures what runs inside that wall. A well-secured environment needs both.
Does CIS Hardening impact performance?
Level 1 hardening has virtually no noticeable impact on performance. Level 2 may have minor effects in specific cases, but this doesn’t outweigh the security benefits. Additionally, disabling unnecessary services can actually improve performance.
How do I know if my servers are CIS compliant?
Through automated compliance scans. We deliver periodic reports that show exactly which benchmarks have been applied and where any deviations exist. This gives you constant insight into the security status of your environment.
Can I combine CIS Hardening with existing certifications?
Yes, CIS Benchmarks are recognized by NIST, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. They support and strengthen existing compliance efforts. During audits, you can demonstrate that your servers are configured according to an internationally recognized standard.
How often are CIS Benchmarks updated?
The Center for Internet Security updates benchmarks regularly, usually within 90 days of a new software version. We follow these updates and apply them after testing. This keeps your environment protected against new vulnerabilities.
What does CIS Hardening cost?
CIS Hardening is included as standard in our managed hosting services, including Nextcloud. For existing environments or standalone servers, we’re happy to provide a custom quote. The investment depends on the number of servers and the desired security level.
📝 About the author
Disclaimer: CIS Benchmark configurations are regularly audited and updated. Specific measures depend on the chosen security level and technology. For current compliance documentation, please contact us.