What is one of the recommended ways to harden Operating Systems in a cloud environment?

One of the recommended ways to harden operating systems in a cloud environment is to remove unnecessary services and libraries. This practice enhances security by minimizing the attack surface of the operating system. When unnecessary services and libraries are present, they could contain vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. By eliminating these components, the operating system becomes less complex and easier to patch, while also reducing the potential avenues for unauthorized access.

Furthermore, reducing the number of services running on a system often leads to improved performance and reliability, as there are fewer processes to manage and monitor. This practice aligns with the principle of least privilege, where systems should only have the necessary components required for their operation, thereby enhancing overall security posture. By focusing on essential functionalities, organizations can ensure that their configurations are as secure as possible.