Mjukvaruhårdning

Mjukvaruhårdning, a Swedish term, translates to "software hardening" in English. It refers to the process of securing a system by reducing its vulnerability surface. This involves eliminating potential attack vectors and minimizing the opportunities for malicious actors to exploit weaknesses. The core principle of mjukvaruhårdning is to make software more resilient and less susceptible to unauthorized access, modification, or denial of service.

Key practices within mjukvaruhårdning include disabling unnecessary services, ports, and applications. This is based on the idea that anything not actively used is a potential entry point for attackers. Configuration settings are also adjusted to enforce stricter security policies. For example, password complexity requirements might be increased, and default credentials are changed or removed. Regular patching and updating of software are crucial components, as these often address known vulnerabilities that could be exploited.

Furthermore, mjukvaruhårdning involves implementing access controls and user privilege management. By limiting user permissions to only what is necessary for their roles, the potential damage from a compromised account is reduced. Input validation is another important aspect, ensuring that software handles external data safely and does not fall victim to injection attacks. The overall goal is to create a more robust and secure software environment, protecting data and system integrity.