The parameters system refers to all the technical configurations that determine the behaviour, security and performance of a computer system (operating system, applications, networks, etc.). In particular, they govern access to resources, security rules, user account management, activity logs and update policies. Incorrect configuration of these parameters is often a vulnerability exploitable.
A system parameterit's a configuration option which tells a computer system how to behave. In practical terms, this is a setting that can be modified to adapt the operation of an operating system, server or software.
Examples:
- On Windowsa system parameter can be : force passwords to contain at least 8 characters
- On a Linux server : disallow SSH connections as root
- On a Apache web server : limit the maximum size of an uploaded file
- In a networka parameter can be : only open certain ports for communications
These parameters influence the security, there performanceor the stability of the system. Poorly configured, they can create loopholes that hackers can exploit.
🎯 Objectives
- Define the conditions for safe operation of the system
- Prevent unauthorised or abusive access
- Optimising the performance and stability of IT environments
- Guaranteeing traceability and regulatory compliance
🧰 Types
- Security settings passwords, authentication, firewallantivirus
- Network settings IP addresses, DNS, proxy, open ports
- Operating system settings active services, update policies, logging
- Access parameters user rights, permissions on files and folders
- Application parameters specific configurations for installed software
⚙️ How to implement it
- Initial audit evaluate and adapt default settings
- Applying best practice : hardening hardening of configurations
- Use of scripts or centralised management tools to deploy uniform parameters
- Documentation configuration choices
- Continuous monitoring detecting unauthorised changes
💥 Consequences
- Correct setting : securing the system, reducing the attack surface
- Incorrect settings :
- Open ports not required
- Users with privileges excessive
- Sensitive services exposed to the Internet
⚖️ Advantages/Disadvantages
Benefits :
- Improved safety and performance
- Fine control over system behaviour
Disadvantages :
- Risk of incorrect configuration
- Complexity in heterogeneous environments
🚧 Challenges
- Uniformity in hybrid environments (cloud, on-premise)
- Continuous monitoring of configuration deviations
- Keeping documentation up to date
🔄 Recent developments
- Integration ofautomated compliance tools
- Monitoring via SIEM and EDR
- Policy deployment Zero Trust which include system parameters
📊 Recent figures for France and worldwide
- 40 % des cyber attacks operate bad configurations system (Source: IBM X-Force 2024)
- More than 60 % companies do not have an automated strategy for managing system parameters
- Safety audits reveal that 1 in 3 systems is poorly configured on average in large organisations
