Description: Hardening is the process of securing a computer system by reducing its vulnerability surface. This involves implementing various security measures that limit attack opportunities and minimize risks associated with exploiting vulnerabilities. Hardening can be applied to different components of a system, including servers, applications, networks, and storage devices. The main characteristics of hardening include disabling unnecessary services, applying security patches, configuring access controls, and implementing additional security measures. This process is fundamental in the context of a Security Operations Center (SOC), where constant monitoring and incident response are essential. By reducing the attack surface, hardening not only protects an organization’s critical assets but also enhances the ability to detect and respond to threats. In an environment where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, hardening becomes an indispensable practice to ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information.