This repository contains PowerShell DSC code for the secure configuration of Windows according to the following hardening guidelines:
Read more about it on our NVISO Blog
The file CIS_Windows10_v181.ps1 contains the Powershell DSC configuration applying the CIS Microsoft Windows 10 benchmark with the recommended controls.
The CIS benchmark is available on the following website:
CIS Benchmarks - Center for Internet Security
Please note the following exceptions:
For control 5.39 (L2) Ensure 'Windows Remote Management (WS-Management) (WinRM)' is set to 'Disabled', modify to 2 for testing.
For control 18.9.97.2.2 (L2) Ensure 'Allow remote server management through WinRM' is set to 'Disabled', modify to 1 for testing.
The file CIS_WindowsServer2019_v110.ps1 contains the Powershell DSC configuration applying the CIS Microsoft Windows Server 2019 benchmark with the recommended controls.
The CIS benchmark is available on the following website:
CIS Benchmarks - Center for Internet Security
Please note the following exceptions:
Some controls in chapter 2.2 (Local Policies: User Rights Assignment) are in comment due to duplicates.
For control 18.9.97.2.2 (L2) Ensure 'Allow remote server management through WinRM' is set to 'Disabled', modify to 1 for testing.
For control 19.7.41.1 (L1) Ensure 'Always install with elevated privileges' is set to 'Disabled', it is in comment because this is a duplicate of the control 18.9.85.2 (L1) Ensure 'Always install with elevated privileges' is set to 'Disabled'.
The file CIS_WindowsServer2016_v110.ps1 contains the Powershell DSC configuration applying the CIS Microsoft Windows Server 2016 benchmark with the recommended controls.
The CIS benchmark is available on the following website:
CIS Benchmarks - Center for Internet Security
Please note the following exceptions:
Some controls in chapter 2.2 (Local Policies: User Rights Assignment) are in comment due to duplicates.
For control 18.9.97.2.2 (L2) Ensure 'Allow remote server management through WinRM' is set to 'Disabled', modify to 1 for testing.
For control 19.7.40.1 (L1) Ensure 'Always install with elevated privileges' is set to 'Disabled', it is in comment because this is a duplicate of the recommendation control 18.9.85.2 (L1) Ensure 'Always install with elevated privileges' is set to 'Disabled'.
The file AzSC_CCEv4_WindowsServer2016.ps1 contains all controls in the Azure Security Center Baseline for Windows Server 2016.
Azure Security Center Baseline for Windows Server 2016 can be found here:
TechNet Azure Security Center Common Configuration
The file AuditPolicy_WindowsServer2016.ps1 contains the Powershell DSC code for applying Windows event logging and audit settings best practices.
These best practices are based on guidelines from Malware Archeology:
To apply the CIS benchmark PowerShell DSC code, follow these steps in an elevated PowerShell prompt:
Install the required PowerShell DSC modules:
install-module AuditPolicyDSC
install-module ComputerManagementDsc
install-module SecurityPolicyDscCompile the CIS benchmark PowerShell DSC code:
./CIS_WindowsServer2016_v110.ps1A MOF file will be created.
Increase the maximum envelope size, by running the following command
Set-Item -Path WSMan:\localhost\MaxEnvelopeSizeKb -Value 2048Enable Windows Remote management:
winrm quickconfigRun the following command to apply the PowerShell DSC configuration:
Start-DscConfiguration -Path .\CIS_WindowsServer2016_v110 -Force -Verbose -WaitThe relevant baselines have been tested on the following operating systems:
This code is provided as is. Please test thoroughly before applying it to production systems.