As part of hardening a server for a team, what should you do first?

When hardening a server, the first step often involves enhancing the security of user accounts. Disabling the guest account is a critical measure because the guest account typically provides minimal security control and can be exploited by unauthorized users to gain access to the system.

By disabling this account, you reduce potential entry points for attackers who might attempt unauthorized access through default or weak accounts. This action is foundational because it minimizes the attack surface and helps establish a more secure baseline for the server.

Other options, while they may also contribute to server hardening, do not address the immediate need to eliminate unnecessary user access and potential vulnerabilities. For instance, renaming the admin account is useful but does not provide the same level of risk reduction as disabling the guest account. Adjusting the account lockout policy can provide additional security measures but may also lead to usability issues, like locking legitimate users out. Formatting partitions with FAT32 is not a recommended practice for server environments, as it lacks the advanced features and security that more modern file systems offer.

Therefore, the act of disabling the guest account stands out as a proactive security measure that should be prioritized during the server hardening process.