Bastion Host
A highly secured server designed to withstand attacks and serve as a gateway to a private network.
Understanding Bastion Hosts
Bastion hosts are typically positioned in a demilitarized zone (DMZ) or between an external network and an internal network. They act as a gateway for administrators accessing critical systems remotely.
Common Use Cases of Bastion Hosts
Jump Server for Secure Remote Access
Provides a controlled point of entry for managing internal servers.
Reduces exposure of sensitive systems to the internet.
Proxy Server for Network Traffic Filtering
Inspects and logs incoming connections for suspicious activity.
Enforces strict access control policies.
VPN Gateway for Secure Communications
Establishes encrypted tunnels for remote access.
Prevents unauthorized interception of sensitive data.
Best Practices for Bastion Host Security
Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to prevent unauthorized access.
Implement minimal attack surface by disabling unnecessary services and restricting network exposure.
Enable strict logging and monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts.
Regularly update firmware and security patches to mitigate vulnerabilities.
Restrict access with least privilege principles, allowing only necessary permissions.