How is network hardening different from vulnerability scanning?

Vulnerability scanning highlights software weaknesses. Network hardening verifies device configurations against a baseline so insecure services, weak access controls, unsafe protocols, and permissive rules are removed. It complements scanning by addressing configuration exposure that patching and CVE detection do not resolve.

What should a hardening baseline configuration include?

Define approved services, management plane access, authentication, logging, encryption, and segmentation intent. Then map settings to vendor guidance and system hardening standards (such as CIS Benchmarks) so exceptions are explicit and reviewable.

What devices can be assessed for device hardening?

Nipper InfraSight supports routers, switches and firewalls for over 180 devices. Start with the devices that enforce segmentation and remote access, then expand coverage to standardize securing network devices across the estate.

How do you prove security hardening was applied?

Assess the configuration, remediate using the recommended device-specific changes, then re-assess and export evidence. This creates a clear record of baseline gaps and fixes. It supports internal assurance and audits. It also strengthens controls across the network infrastructure.

How do you avoid hardening breaking network operations?

Apply a baseline that matches required services and routing. Validate changes through change control. Prioritize high-impact, low-risk fixes first. Configuration evidence reduces guesswork and helps engineering teams implement security hardening without unexpected service disruption.

How do teams provide device configurations for assessment?

Export configuration files from your routers, switches and firewalls, then upload them for analysis. Use the most recent exports so results reflect the current enforced configuration.

Nipper InfraSight | Capabilities

Network security teams must keep secure baselines across multi-vendor systems, even as changes, exceptions, and updates build up. That is where gaps remain. Management access is exposed. Authentication and encryption are weak. Rules are too permissive. Segmentation settings no longer match the intended design.

Nipper InfraSight turns device configurations into network hardening actions you can assign and verify. It analyses exported configs offline and agentlessly to build a behaviourally accurate model of each device.

Inconsistent hardening baselines

Set one baseline across vendors and sites, so security hardening is consistent and exceptions are explicit.

Low visibility into exploitable settings

Identify exploitable settings, rule conflicts, and risky access paths, then prioritize fixes that reduce real exposure (not just policy deviations).

Slow remediation and repeat audits

Validate remediation quickly and export evidence that stands up in audits, reviews, and incident follow-up.

Ingest exported configuration files

Upload exported configurations – no scanning, no credentials, no traffic generation, and no interaction with live devices.

Test against hardening baselines

Test each device against your hardening baseline configuration, vendor hardening guidance, and supported system hardening standards.

Prioritize by exposure impact

Focus on weaknesses that create attack paths: permissive access, weak management controls, unsafe services, and segmentation gaps.

Remediate and re-assess

Apply device-specific fixes, reassess, and export evidence to show device hardening is in place.

Cisco
Aruba
Check Point
Palo Alto Networks
Dell
Juniper Networks
Sophos
Huawei
Fortinet
F5

Nipper Infrasight (Essential)

Point-in-time network hardening and device configuration assessment with prioritized findings, device-specific remediation guidance, and reporting. Best for: teams setting a baseline fast.

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Nipper Infrasight (Compliance)

Adds framework-mapped, audit-aligned reporting and Premium capabilities (for example DISA STIG, Cisco Meraki, SD-WAN, and WAP). Best for: regulated environments.

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Nipper Infrasight (Air Gapped)

Full Nipper InfraSight capability set packaged for offline and isolated networks where active probing and cloud analysis are restricted. Best for: sovereign and classified deployments.

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Nipper OmniSight (Standalone)

Scheduled, repeatable, agentless network hardening at scale across large estates, deployed as an OVA without CMDB dependency or continuous monitoring. Best for: teams operationalizing hardening programmes.

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