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Secure Configuration

What is Secure Configuration?

The process of implementing security settings and hardening measures on systems and devices according to established security baselines and benchmarks.

Information Security

Each of these is named in at least one of the same controls as secure configuration. The number is how many controls name both.

What the standards actually require on secure configuration

Requirements naming secure configuration across 6 standards, quoted from the control text.

NIST SP 800-1285 controls

Establish secure configuration settings that reflect the most restrictive mode consistent with operational requirements.

SP800-128-SECURE-CONFIG · Secure Configurations of Information Systems

Use Azure Policy and Defender for Cloud secure score to audit and enforce configuration baselines across subscriptions.

PV-2 · Audit and enforce secure configurations
CIS Controls v83 controls

Establish and maintain a secure configuration process for network devices. Review and update documentation annually, or when significant enterprise changes occur that could impact this Safeguard.

CIS-4.2 · Establish and Maintain a Secure Configuration Process for Network Infrastructure

Systems must be deployed using secure configurations, unnecessary services and ports must be disabled, and baselines must be maintained.

DEFSTAN-CONFIG · Secure Configuration and Hardening

UR E27 requires equipment manufacturers to deliver hardened CBS with secure default configuration + secure communications. Hardening: minimum services + disabled debug + locked BIOS + secure boot + Trusted Platform Module (TPM) or equivalent root of trust + si...

IACS-UR-E27-Equipment-Hardening-SecureConfig-Communications · IACS UR E27 - Equipment Hardening + Secure Configuration + Secure Communications + Cryptography

Secure configuration guidance, in the form of a hardening guide or loosening guide, is produced and made available to consumers as part of software development.

ISM-1798 · Secure configuration guidance, in the form of a hardening guide or loosening guide, is pro

Questions people ask about secure configuration

What is Secure Configuration?
The process of implementing security settings and hardening measures on systems and devices according to established security baselines and benchmarks.
Why is Secure Configuration important for compliance?
Secure Configuration is a key concept in Information Security. Understanding secure configuration helps organizations meet regulatory requirements, reduce risk, and demonstrate due diligence during audits. Our compliance platform maps 686 frameworks with 311K cross-framework control mappings.
Which compliance frameworks address Secure Configuration?
Secure Configuration appears in the requirement text of NIST SP 800-128, Azure Security Benchmark, CIS Controls v8, UK Defence Standard 05-138 - Cyber Security for Defence Suppliers, IACS Unified Requirements E26/E27 - Cyber Resilience of Ships and On-Board Systems. Across these standards we have identified 18 controls that name it directly, each linked to the control text on the compliance platform.
Where can I learn more about Secure Configuration?
Explore our compliance framework pages to see how secure configuration applies across different standards and regulations. Our implementation guides provide step-by-step guidance, and the compliance platform offers AI-powered analysis of how this concept maps across 686 frameworks.

See how Secure Configuration applies across compliance frameworks

Our platform maps 686 frameworks with 311K cross-framework control mappings. Explore how this concept is addressed across standards.

Written and maintained by Gerard Blokdyk, The Art of Service.