Ultimate Guide to Locking Down Windows Security Like a Pro

Securing your Windows operating system is a must-do task, whether you’re running Windows 7, 8, 10, or even a Server version. This guide walks you through essential steps like trimming unnecessary services, tweaking the registry, powering up the firewall, and fortifying your browser. We’ve already covered firewalls and packet filtering, so now let’s dive into other critical aspects of Windows security.

User Accounts, Groups, and Passwords: The Basics

Windows comes with default user accounts and groups that can be a hacker’s dream if left unchecked. These accounts can serve as a backdoor for unauthorized access, password cracking, and network intrusions. A simple fix? Rename or disable these default accounts to boost your security.

Finding User Accounts

Windows 7 or 8: Navigate to Start > Settings > Control Panel > Users and Groups.
Windows 10: Go to Start > Settings > Accounts.

Administrator Accounts: The Prime Target

The default administrator account is a goldmine for hackers due to its administrative privileges. Logging into Windows usually requires a username and password, but default accounts can bypass the username step. Smart system administrators disable these accounts.

Creating a New Admin Account

For server maintenance, you’ll need an account with administrative privileges. Instead of using a standard account, create a new one with a unique username and grant it administrative rights. This makes it harder for hackers to identify and target the account.

Other Accounts: Don’t Overlook Them

While the administrator account is the most targeted, other default accounts also need attention. Apply stringent security measures to all default accounts, as any of them can become a hacker’s gateway. Watch out for accounts like:

IUSR_Machine name: Created when running IIS, this account is a common target for hackers.
ASP.NET: If ASP.NET is running, a default account for web applications is created, which can be targeted by hackers familiar with .NET.
Database accounts: Relational database management systems like SQL Server create default user accounts that can be targeted by intruders seeking data access.

Principle of Least Privilege

When adding new accounts, always grant the least number and type of privileges necessary. This principle, known as the principle of least privilege, is a cornerstone of security. Here are some examples:

A PC technician doesn’t need administrative rights on a database server.
IT department members might need access to various resources, but granting access to everything is not advisable.
Administrators might use applications on a web server, but full rights on that server are unnecessary.
A programmer developing server applications doesn’t need all rights on that server.

Setting Windows Security Policies

Establishing appropriate security policies is crucial for hardening a Windows server. This refers to the policies within each machine, not the written policies a company might have. The first step is setting secure password policies, as the default Windows password settings are not secure enough.

Password Policies: Default vs. Recommended

The following table shows the default password policies and recommendations from Microsoft and the National Security Agency (NSA):

Policy	Default	Microsoft Recommendation	NSA Recommendation
Enforce password history	Not defined	3 passwords	5 passwords
Maximum password age	Not defined	42 days	42 days
Minimum password age	Not defined	2 days	2 days
Minimum password length	Not defined	8 characters	12 characters
Password complexity	Not defined	No specific recommendation	Recommended

Developing appropriate password policies depends on your network environment’s requirements. If your network stores and processes highly sensitive data, lean towards more security in your policies and settings. However, remember that overly complex security measures can frustrate users.

Account Lockout Policies

In the Local Security Settings dialog box, you can set account lockout policies. These policies determine how many times a user can attempt to log in before being locked out and for how long. The default Windows settings are not secure, as they allow an infinite number of login attempts, making it easy for password crackers.