Secure Configuration with Ansible

1. Introduction

Secure configuration is essential in managing systems effectively and ensuring data integrity and security. Ansible, as an automation tool, helps in enforcing a secure configuration across environments.

2. Key Concepts

2.1 What is Ansible?

Ansible is an open-source automation tool used for configuration management, application deployment, and task automation. It uses a simple syntax called YAML and operates agentlessly over SSH or WinRM.

2.2 Configuration Management

Configuration management involves maintaining computer systems, servers, and software in a desired, consistent state. Secure configuration ensures that systems are set up and maintained according to security best practices.

3. Step-by-Step Process

Follow these steps to secure configurations with Ansible:

Identify Security Standards: Determine the security requirements based on compliance frameworks (e.g., CIS, NIST).

Create Ansible Playbooks: Write playbooks to automate configuration tasks.

Test Playbooks: Run playbooks in a controlled environment to ensure they apply the desired configurations.

Deploy to Production: Apply the playbooks to production systems while monitoring the changes.

Review and Audit: Regularly review configurations and audit for compliance.

3.1 Example Ansible Playbook

Below is a sample playbook for securing SSH configuration:


---
- name: Secure SSH Configuration
  hosts: all
  become: yes
  tasks:
    - name: Ensure SSH is installed
      yum:
        name: openssh-server
        state: present

    - name: Disable root login
      lineinfile:
        path: /etc/ssh/sshd_config
        regexp: '^PermitRootLogin'
        line: 'PermitRootLogin no'
      notify: restart ssh

    - name: Ensure SSH uses key authentication
      lineinfile:
        path: /etc/ssh/sshd_config
        regexp: '^PasswordAuthentication'
        line: 'PasswordAuthentication no'
      notify: restart ssh

  handlers:
    - name: restart ssh
      service:
        name: sshd
        state: restarted
        enabled: yes

4. Best Practices

Use Version Control: Store playbooks in a version control system (e.g., Git).

Modularize Playbooks: Break down playbooks into roles for better manageability.

Utilize Ansible Vault: Secure sensitive data using Ansible Vault.

Regularly Update Playbooks: Keep playbooks updated with the latest security practices.

Conduct Regular Audits: Schedule periodic audits of configurations to ensure compliance.

5. FAQ

What is Ansible Vault?

Ansible Vault is a feature that allows users to encrypt sensitive data within Ansible projects, such as passwords or keys, to keep them secure.

Can Ansible manage Windows servers?

Yes, Ansible can manage Windows servers using WinRM as the transport layer, allowing you to apply configurations and run tasks on Windows hosts.

How do I test my Ansible playbooks?

You can test your playbooks in a staging environment or use tools like Molecule to create and manage test scenarios.