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Security Configuration Management

  • Last Updated June 30, 2026

Topic

This article explains how to optimize your security in NinjaOne to ensure safe operations.

Environment

  • NinjaOne Platform
  • NinjaOne Endpoint Management
  • NinjaOne Integrations

Description

Security Configuration Management (SCM) is the process that involves adjusting the default settings of an information system to enhance security and mitigate risk. The SCM safeguards systems by ensuring they are properly configured (hardened) in accordance with internal or regulatory security and compliance standards.

Index

Select a topic to learn more:

Examples of Weak or Incorrect Configurations

Here are some examples of misconfigurations that cybercriminals often exploit, and how SCM can address them.

  • Weak passwords: Employees using weak or default passwords provide easy access points for cybercriminals. SCM involves enforcing password policies, such as requiring strong passwords and regular password changes, to reduce this risk.
  • Unpatched systems: Failure to apply security patches leaves systems vulnerable to known exploits. SCM includes regular patch management to ensure that systems are up-to-date and protected against the latest threats.
  • Misconfigured firewall rules: Incorrectly configured firewall rules may inadvertently allow unauthorized access to sensitive systems or data. SCM involves reviewing and optimizing firewall configurations to block malicious traffic effectively.
  • Lack of access controls: Inadequate access controls can result in unauthorized users gaining privileged access to critical systems or data. SCM encompasses role-based access controls and least privilege principles to limit access only to authorized personnel.
  • Unsecured network protocols: Using insecure network protocols exposes data to interception and eavesdropping by cybercriminals. SCM involves disabling or encrypting vulnerable protocols to protect data in transit.

Best Practices for SCM

You can use the following steps to implement SCM for your organization.

  • Inventory: Find all devices connected to the network. Use different discovery methods to find all connected hardware, software, and assets that might be hidden from the IT department, such as remote users and shadow IT.
  • Classify: Group devices by type, identifying devices with common configurations. For example, Apple macOS laptops and desktops, Microsoft Windows servers, Linux servers, Android mobile devices, network switches, network routers, and more.
  • Define configurations: Use acceptable secure configurations as a basis for each type of managed device. Follow security policy guidelines from an accredited authority, such as the Center for Internet Security (CIS) or the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
  • Assess and remediate vulnerabilities: If you find any deviations, evaluate and remediate the configuration differences to mitigate or resolve the vulnerability. Flag any devices where you could not fix deviations and treat them separately.

How NinjaOne Helps With SCM

NinjaOne offers several features and functionalities that can assist with SCM and contribute to a more secure IT environment.

  • Patch management — Learn more
    • Automated patch deployment: NinjaOne automates the process of identifying, downloading, and deploying security patches to various endpoints, ensuring systems are kept up to date and addressing vulnerabilities promptly.
    • Patch reporting: NinjaOne provides detailed reports on patch status, highlighting any devices that are missing critical updates, allowing IT teams to prioritize and ensure complete patching coverage.
  • Configuration Management — Learn more
    • Policies and automation: NinjaOne allows you to create and enforce policies that define specific configuration settings for different device groups. You can also use scripting capabilities to automate and centrally manage various configurations across multiple devices, ensuring consistency and adherence to security best practices.
    • Pre-configured templates: The platform offers pre-built configuration templates for various security software and settings, saving time and ensuring consistency in hardening configurations.
  • Remote Management and Monitoring (RMM) — Learn more
    • Remote access and control: NinjaOne provides secure remote access to devices, allowing IT personnel to troubleshoot configuration issues, deploy updates, and enforce security policies remotely, which improves efficiency and response times.
    • Real-time monitoring: The platform offers real-time monitoring of system health, security events, and configuration changes, enabling IT teams to identify potential security risks and non-compliant configurations quickly.
  • Reporting and compliance — Learn more
    • Compliance reports: NinjaOne generates comprehensive reports that showcase the configuration state of devices and compliance with internal security policies or external regulations. This tool helps organizations demonstrate adherence to security standards and identify any areas requiring improvement.
    • Benchmark tailoring (no-code): When configuring an endpoint scan, administrators can tailor any included compliance benchmark directly in the NinjaOne web console without the need for external authoring tools.
    • Automated enforcement for Windows: NinjaOne can apply Microsoft’s Desired State Configuration (DSC) content to Windows endpoints automatically.
  • Integration with third-party tools — Learn more
    • NinjaOne integrates with various security solutions, allowing you to manage and enforce security policies from a centralized platform, streamlining workflows and improving overall security posture.

Advantages of Using NinjaOne in the SCM Process

By leveraging NinjaOne, you can help your organization:

  • Reduce the risk of security vulnerabilities by ensuring you configure your systems according to security best practices.
  • Improve efficiency and reduce manual work associated with managing security configurations across numerous devices.
  • Demonstrate compliance with internal security policies and external regulations.
  • Enhance overall IT security posture by providing centralized visibility and control over security configurations.

It’s important to note that NinjaOne is a tool that can facilitate SCM. It does not replace the need for well-defined security policies, knowledgeable IT personnel, and ongoing security awareness training.

Strategy: Configure automated OS patching using policies in NinjaOne

Patching is crucial for SCM, and it´s easy to manage using NinjaOne policies. To configure automated patching in a policy, perform the following steps:

  1. Navigate to Administration → Policies and open an agent policy.
  2. Select Software patching and ensure the Enable software patching toggle is active.
policy_software patching_enable toggle.png
Figure 1: Enable software patching status toggle
  1. Configure the rest of the fields according to your preferences.
  2. Save and close the policy.
  3. Navigate to Administration → Organization and select an organization to edit.
  4. Select Policies. Assign your newly active patching policy to your devices.

Frequently-Asked Questions

What is an example of a secure configuration?

All home routers of the same model come from the factory with the same administrator username and password, and some of them have external access active by default. Default credentials are available to anyone on the provider’s site. An example of a secure configuration is to change the administrator password to a strong one and make sure to deactivate external access.

Additional Resources

View our Endpoint Security and Efficiency webinar for more helpful tips and best practices.

FAQ

Next Steps