A systems administrator is looking into hardening their systems. What are some popular guides the sysadmin could follow?

For system administrators focusing on hardening their systems, it's vital to follow established security guidelines and frameworks that outline best practices for reducing vulnerabilities and improving overall security posture.

The correct choice references popular guides that are widely recognized in the industry and provide comprehensive checklists and procedures for securing various operating systems and applications. These guides are designed not only to aid in hardening servers and configurations but also to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and enhance the resilience against attacks.

One key resource is the Center for Internet Security (CIS) benchmarks, which provide detailed configurations for securing systems based on best practices. Another important resource may include frameworks like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines, which offer a robust approach to security.

By adhering to these guides, system administrators can take informed, structured steps towards hardening their systems, ultimately leading to a significant reduction in the attack surface and an increase in defensive capabilities against malicious activities. Following the correct set of guides can aid in ensuring that systems are configured to industry standards, which is critical for maintaining a secure environment.