By leveraging the default security enhancements in Windows Server 2025 alongside strategic implementations of Application Control, Attack Surface Reduction, and proper credential management, organizations can significantly reduce their risk exposure while maintaining operational efficiency. Windows Server 2025 includes enhanced support for the Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS), addressing one of the most common security vulnerabilities in server environments. With the release of Windows Server 2025, Microsoft has introduced enhanced security features and hardening capabilities designed to protect against the latest attack vectors. The company has also released an updated security baseline package for Windows Server 2025 that includes over 350 preconfigured security settings organized into three categories: Domain Controller, Member Server, and Workgroup Member. As cyber threats continue to evolve in 2025, implementing robust hardening measures for Windows Server environments has never been more critical. The Center for Internet Security (CIS) has released benchmarks for Windows Server 2025 for organizations seeking comprehensive hardening. Microsoft has significantly raised the security bar with Windows Server 2025 by enabling critical protections by default. Perhaps the most significant new security feature in Windows Server 2025 is Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) for Business. As organizations face sophisticated cyber threats in 2025, securing Windows Server environments has become more critical than ever. Attack Surface Reduction (ASR) rules have been optimized for Windows Server environments to constrain risky software behaviors that attackers commonly exploit. This article explores the most effective strategies for hardening Windows Server 2025 deployments against potential exploits. Microsoft recommends two primary patterns for network segmentation in Windows Server environments: segmentation within a workload using subnets and NSGs, and segmentation across multiple networks without direct peering. AppLocker continues to be a valuable tool in Windows Server 2025 for controlling which applications users can execute. By implementing ASR rules through Microsoft Defender for Server (available in two distinct plans with different capabilities), organizations can significantly reduce their exposure to common attack vectors.
This Cyber News was published on cybersecuritynews.com. Publication date: Thu, 15 May 2025 04:00:06 +0000