Editing Hardening (computing) (section)

{{Short description|Process of increasing the security of a system}}
{{More citations needed|date=March 2009}}

In [[computer security]], '''hardening''' is usually the process of securing a system by reducing its [[attack surface]], which is larger when a system performs more functions; in principle a single-function system is more secure than a multipurpose one. Reducing available ways of attack typically includes changing default passwords, the removal of unnecessary software, unnecessary [[user (computing)|usernames]] or [[login]]s, and the disabling or removal of unnecessary [[Daemon (computing)|services]].

Hardening measures can include setting up [[Intrusion detection system|intrusion prevention systems]], disabling accounts, reducing [[File-system permissions|file system permissions]] and using encrypted network connections.