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Table of Contents
Preparing For A System Audit
CeRTNA ERDS workstations must pass a security audit prior to processing production level transactions through the CeRTNA ERDS platform. Per the California DOJ Baseline Security Requirements, CeRTNA ERDS workstations must be used only for CeRTNA ERDS activity. The follow topics are designed to help you prepare your workstation so that it will meet the CeRTNA ERDS audit requirements.
Additional Workstation Preparation
In addition to the hardware recommendations outlined in the Hardware & OS Requirements document, CeRTNA ERDS workstations must also have Anti-Virus/Anti-Malware software installed.
For Windows 7 workstations, CeRTNA recommends the installation of Microsoft Security Essentials, however, other software tools are also acceptable, such as Symantec Endpoint Protection. Microsoft Security Essentials can be downloaded for free from the following URL:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=5201
For Windows 10 workstations, Microsoft Security Essentials is built into the operating system in the form of a product named Windows Defender. As with Windows 7 workstations, other products such as Symantec Endpoint Protection are also acceptable.
The CeRTNA ERDS workstation audit will require a clean Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) report. The Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer 2.3 (MBSA) software can be downloaded from the following URL:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=7558
Once you have downloaded and installed the MBSA software, complete the following tasks:
- Rename the Administrator account on the CeRTNA ERDS workstation.
- Create individual user accounts (non-admin) for the users that are or will be authorized to use
- the CeRTNA ERDS workstation.
- Disable the local Guest account.
- Ensure the anti-virus/anti-malware software is active.
- As an Administrator run the MBSA 2.2 software and clear all issues. (Exceptions)
System Audit
During your system audit, you will be asked to perform the following tasks as an Administrator to show that the CeRTNA ERDS workstation meets the workstation security configuration requirements:
Run/review MSBSA 2.2 output. Validate clean report (exceptions)
- Record output
Validate System Properties
Path: Control Panel\System
- Windows 7 operating system with 4.0 GB RAM (minimum)
- or
- Windows 10 operating system with 8.00 GB RAM (minimum)
- Record output
Path: Control Panel\Administrative Tools\Local Security Policy\Account Policies\Password Policy
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Enforce password history | 5 |
| Maximum password age | 30 |
| Minimum password age | 1 |
| Minimum password length | 8 |
| Password must meet complexity requirements | Enabled |
| Store passwords using reversible encryption | Disabled |
Path: Control Panel\Administrative Tools\Local Security Policy\Account Policies\Account Lockout Policy
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Account lockout duration | 60 mins |
| Account lockout threshold | 3 invalid logon attempts |
| Reset account lockout counter after | 60 mins |
Path: Control Panel\Administrative Tools\Local Security Policy\Local Policies\Audit Policy
- Select all items for audit of success and failure.
Path: Control Panel\Administrative Tools\Local Security Policy\Local Policies\Security Options (s=
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Accounts:Guest account status | Disabled |
| Accounts:Rename administrator account | {New Name} |
| Accounts:Rename administrator account | {New Name} |
Path (Windows 10): Control Panel\System and Security\Windows Defender Firewall\Customize Settings (See note)
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Private network settings | Turn on Windows Defender Firewall |
| Public network settings | Turn on Windows Defender Firewall |
Path (Windows 7): Control Panel\System and Security\Windows Firewall\Customize Settings (See note)
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Private network settings | Turn on Windows Firewall |
| Public network settings | Turn on Windows Firewall |
Note: CeRTNA does not require any custom firewall rules to be applied. The only requirement is that a local workstation based firewall is enabled with the default settings. Organizations that have a product like Symantec Endpoint Protection will use the Symantec Endpoint Protection firewall, which will disable the Windows Firewall. Regardless of the local firewall that is used, you will need to show the auditor that the firewall for private and public networks is enabled.
Path (Windows 10):System\Windows Update
By default Windows 10 Updates are enabled. Verify the Windows Update History to show that the updates are being applied.
Path (Windows 7):System\Windows Update
Install updates automatically Selected Install new updates every day Selected Allow all users to install updates on this computer Selected Control Panel\Power Options Require a password on wakeup Selected Control Panel\Security Center Firewall On Automatic updating On Malware protection On Other security settings OK Microsoft Security Essentials (Win 7) or Windows Defender (Win 8.1) Settings\Scheduled scan Run a scheduled scan on my computer Daily/Full scan Check for the latest virus &spyware definitions before running a scheduled scan Selected Start the scheduled scan only when my computer is on but not in use Selected Settings\Default actions All alert levels set to “Recommended action” Selected Apply recommended actions Enabled Settings\Real-time protection Turn on real-time protection Enabled Monitor file and program activity on your computer Enabled Scan all downloaded files and attachments Enabled Settings/Excluded files & locations NONE Settings/Excluded file types NONE Settings/Excluded processes NONE Printed: April 6, 2016 CeRTNA | Proprietary & Confidential 5 5 55 ERDS WORKSTATION CONFIGURATION Settings/Advanced Scan archive files Enabled Scan removable drives Enabled Create a system restore point Enabled Allow all users to view the full History reports Enabled Settings/Microsoft SpyNet Advanced membership Enabled Validate Screen Saver Settings Screen Saver Wait time: 10 On resume, display logon screen Enabled Java Configuration Ensure version is installed Control Panel/Java/Advanced/Java plug-in/ Enable the next-generation Java Plug-in Unchecked Control Panel/Java/Update/ Check for Updates Automatically Unchecked MBSA Exceptions There should be an IE zones exception on the report. This is acceptable as this is based on the configuration required.