This episode explains how to secure individual server hosts and applications through targeted hardening measures. We discuss deploying antivirus and anti-malware tools, ensuring timely application of patches, and disabling unnecessary application features or services. Application configuration best practices, such as enforcing authentication and encryption, are also covered.

We then explore exam and operational scenarios where host and application hardening prevent compromise, such as patching a vulnerable web application before exploitation or disabling outdated protocols in a mail server. Troubleshooting considerations include addressing false positives in security scans and ensuring updates do not disrupt critical services. This knowledge ensures candidates can maintain both host and application layers in a secure, optimized state. Produced by BareMetalCyber.com, where you’ll find more cyber prepcasts, books, and information to strengthen your certification path.