Server hardening is the process of securing a server by reducing its attack surface and strengthening its defenses. This involves configuring the server's settings, software, and hardware to minimize vulnerabilities and make it more resilient to attacks. It's essentially about making the server more secure by removing unnecessary features and tightening access controls.
Server stack hardening refers to the process of securing all layers of a server environment, from the physical hardware and firmware to the operating system, applications, and network services. It's a proactive approach to reduce the server's attack surface and make it more resilient to cyberattacks.