Harden-Windows-Security: Enhance Your Windows System Security with Official Methods

Introduction

The Harden-Windows-Security repository by HotCakeX offers a comprehensive suite of tools and guides designed to enhance Windows security using only official, supported Microsoft methods. This project is meticulously maintained, always up-to-date with the latest Windows builds, and caters to diverse security needs, from personal users to enterprise, government, and military levels. It is also SLSA Level 3 compliant, ensuring a secure development and build process.

Installation

The repository provides two primary applications available directly from the Microsoft Store, ensuring secure and verified installations:

• Harden System Security App:

  • Install from the Microsoft Store.
  • Detailed documentation is available on the Wiki.

• AppControl Manager App:

  • Install from the Microsoft Store.
  • Detailed documentation is available on the Wiki.

Examples

The Harden System Security App allows users to fine-tune their Windows operating system for maximum security. It helps harden the OS, remove unnecessary features or applications, and provides advanced insights into the system's security posture. For enterprise users, it supports applying Intune security policies and verifying workstation compliance, offering a security score.

The AppControl Manager is an open-source Windows application that simplifies the configuration of Application Control. When combined with the Harden System Security app's policies, it can provide up to 99% protection against various threats, both online and physical. A walkthrough video is available on YouTube.

Together, these applications create multiple layers of security, known as defense in depth, making it exceptionally difficult for threat actors to compromise your device.

Why Use Harden-Windows-Security?

This project stands out for several compelling reasons:

• Official Microsoft Methods: It exclusively leverages features already built into Windows, utilizing well-documented, supported, and official Microsoft methods. This approach avoids reliance on third-party components, which often increase the attack surface.
• Comprehensive Security Levels: Whether you are a personal user seeking to protect your device or an enterprise administrator managing a fleet of workstations, this repository offers tailored solutions and guides.
• Robust Protection: By implementing the recommended hardening measures and application control policies, users can achieve significant protection against advanced threats, including BYOVD (Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver) attacks.
• Trust and Transparency: The project prioritizes trust through artifact attestations, Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs), verified commits, and automated VirusTotal scans, ensuring the integrity and provenance of its builds. It achieves SLSA Level 3 security for its build process.
• Adherence to Best Practices: The repository provides valuable security recommendations, including guidance on downloading official OS images, using trusted app sources like the Microsoft Store, configuring Secure DNS, employing Microsoft Edge for browsing, enabling multi-factor authentication, and adopting passwordless sign-in.

Links

• GitHub Repository: HotCakeX/Harden-Windows-Security
• Harden System Security App (Microsoft Store): Install Now
• AppControl Manager App (Microsoft Store): Install Now
• Project Wiki: Harden-Windows-Security Wiki
• Azure DevOps Mirror: SpyNetGirl/Harden-Windows-Security
• Harden Windows Security Website: hotcakex.github.io
• WinSecureDNSMgr: HotCakeX/WinSecureDNSMgr
• Privacy, Anonymity and Compartmentalization: HotCakeX/Privacy-Anonymity-Compartmentalization
• License: MIT License