Ensuring that your server is protected against various vulnerabilities is imperative for maintaining data security and overall system performance. A Secured-Core server provides a robust set of security features that protect hardware, firmware, drivers, and the operating system. These protections start from the moment the operating system boots up and continue throughout its operation. In this comprehensive guide, we will elucidate how to configure a Secured-Core server using three distinct methods: Windows Admin Center, Graphical User Interface (GUI), and Group Policy. Each method provides a step-by-step approach to establishing robust security measures on your server.
Initial Setup Using Windows Admin Center
The Windows Admin Center is a powerful tool that offers a simplified pathway to configuring various server settings, including ensuring your server is Secured-Core compliant. Begin by launching the Windows Admin Center and logging into the portal. This initial step is crucial as it gets you into the centralized management console from where all subsequent configurations will be executed.
Once logged in, select the server you intend to configure by navigating to Security > Secured-core. Here, you will identify any security features that are marked as Not configured; set these features to Enable. This action activates the necessary security protocols to safeguard your server from the ground up. You will then be prompted to schedule a system reboot. Choose a convenient time for the restart to apply these settings seamlessly.
After rebooting, verifying the configuration becomes essential. Go back to the Windows Admin Center portal, navigate to Security > Secured-core, and check all security features to ensure they are configured correctly. This verification step confirms that your server is now secured with updated protective measures, making it ready to handle critical data and applications with enhanced security.
Configuration Through Graphical Interface (GUI)
If you prefer not to use the Windows Admin Center, you can enable Secured-core features via the Graphical Interface (GUI). Start by opening Computer Management from Windows Administrative Tools. In this management window, inspect the Device Manager to confirm that there are no driver issues, which is especially important for AMD users who must have a Dynamically Rooted Trust Memory (DRTM) Boot Driver installed.
Next, navigate to Windows Security > Device security > Core isolation details, and enable both Memory Integrity and Firmware Protection. These settings activate essential security layers that fortify the system against unauthorized memory access and firmware-level vulnerabilities. After enabling these options, reboot your system to apply the changes and further ensure your server’s integrity.
To verify the configuration, open Run, type msinfo32.exe, and press Enter. Within the System Information window, confirm that several key security settings are correctly configured: Secure Boot State should be set to On, Kernel DMA Protection should be On, and Virtualization-based security should be Running. Additionally, ensure that Virtualization-based security services are running with Hypervisor enforced Code Integrity and Secure Launch active. This verification ensures that the system is equipped with all necessary security features, affirming its status as a Secured-Core server.
Configuration Utilizing Group Policy
Protecting your server against various vulnerabilities is crucial for ensuring data security and optimal system performance. A Secured-Core server offers a comprehensive suite of security features that shield hardware, firmware, drivers, and the operating system from threats. These protections are activated from the moment the operating system boots up and are maintained throughout its runtime.
In this detailed guide, we will walk you through how to configure a Secured-Core server using three different methods: Windows Admin Center, Graphical User Interface (GUI), and Group Policy. Each of these approaches provides a step-by-step procedure to implement strong security measures on your server, ensuring it remains resilient against potential attacks.
Windows Admin Center is a modern, centralized management solution that simplifies server administration. Utilizing the Graphical User Interface (GUI) method allows for intuitive navigation and straightforward configuration. Lastly, Group Policy offers a more centralized and scalable approach for configuring multiple servers in a Windows domain. By following this guide, you will be able to leverage these methods to fortify your server’s defenses effectively.
