10 SCCM DMZ Best Practices
SCCM DMZ best practices are important to follow in order to keep your network secure. Here are 10 of the most important ones to keep in mind.
System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) is a powerful tool for managing large networks. It can be used to deploy software, manage security settings, and monitor system performance. However, when deploying SCCM in a DMZ environment, there are certain best practices that should be followed to ensure the security of the system.
In this article, we will discuss 10 SCCM DMZ best practices that should be followed when deploying SCCM in a DMZ environment. These best practices will help ensure that the system is secure and that the data is protected from unauthorized access.
1. Use a dedicated site server for the DMZ
A dedicated site server for the DMZ ensures that all traffic is routed through a single point of entry. This helps to reduce the risk of malicious activity, as well as simplifies the process of monitoring and managing the network. Additionally, it allows you to easily configure firewall rules and access control lists (ACLs) to further secure the environment.
Finally, having a dedicated site server for the DMZ also makes it easier to troubleshoot any issues that may arise. By isolating the DMZ from other parts of the network, you can quickly identify and address any problems without impacting the rest of your infrastructure.
2. Don’t use the same boundary group in multiple sites
When you use the same boundary group in multiple sites, it can cause conflicts between the different sites. This is because each site has its own set of rules and configurations that need to be followed. If two sites are using the same boundary group, then they will both be trying to access the same resources, which can lead to errors or even data loss.
To avoid this issue, make sure to create separate boundary groups for each site. This way, each site will have its own unique set of rules and configurations, ensuring that there won’t be any conflicts between them.
3. Configure firewall rules to allow communication between the DMZ and internal network
The DMZ is a secure network segment that isolates external traffic from the internal network. It’s important to configure firewall rules to allow communication between the DMZ and internal network so that SCCM can communicate with its clients in the internal network. This will ensure that all of the necessary data, such as software updates, are delivered securely and efficiently.
Additionally, it’s important to make sure that only authorized users have access to the DMZ. This means configuring authentication methods, such as two-factor authentication or biometric authentication, to ensure that only trusted personnel can access the DMZ.
4. Create separate collections for clients on the DMZ
By creating separate collections, you can ensure that the clients on the DMZ are only receiving content and updates from the SCCM server in the DMZ. This helps to reduce the risk of malicious traffic entering your network through the DMZ.
Additionally, by having separate collections for clients on the DMZ, you can easily monitor their activity and make sure they are up-to-date with the latest security patches and software updates. This will help keep your network secure and prevent any potential threats from entering your environment.
5. Enable HTTPS communication with clients on the DMZ
HTTPS is a secure protocol that encrypts data in transit, which means it’s much harder for malicious actors to intercept and read the data. This is especially important when dealing with sensitive information like passwords or other authentication credentials.
Enabling HTTPS communication also helps ensure that clients on the DMZ are communicating with the correct SCCM server, as opposed to a malicious actor posing as an SCCM server. This can help prevent man-in-the-middle attacks and other types of malicious activity.
6. Disable client push installation on the DMZ
Client push installation is a feature of SCCM that allows you to install the SCCM client on computers in your network. However, this can be a security risk if done incorrectly or without proper authorization.
By disabling client push installation on the DMZ, you are ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to the SCCM client and its features. This will help protect your network from malicious actors who may try to gain access to sensitive data or systems through the SCCM client. Additionally, it will also help ensure that any changes made to the SCCM client are properly tracked and monitored.
7. Deploy software updates from an internet-facing WSUS server
When deploying software updates in a DMZ, it’s important to ensure that the WSUS server is not connected directly to the internal network. This helps protect against malicious actors who may try to exploit vulnerabilities in the WSUS server and gain access to the internal network.
By deploying software updates from an internet-facing WSUS server, you can reduce the attack surface of your SCCM environment while still ensuring that all devices in the DMZ are up-to-date with the latest security patches. Additionally, this approach allows for more granular control over which updates are deployed to each device, allowing you to tailor the update process to meet the specific needs of your organization.
8. Do not deploy roles that require direct access to Active Directory (AD)
When you deploy roles that require direct access to AD, it increases the attack surface of your network. This is because attackers can use these roles as a way to gain access to sensitive information stored in AD. Additionally, if an attacker were able to compromise one of these roles, they could potentially move laterally across the network and gain access to other systems.
To reduce this risk, it’s best practice to only deploy roles that do not require direct access to AD. For example, instead of deploying a Domain Controller role in the DMZ, consider using a read-only domain controller (RODC) or a separate Active Directory forest.
9. Do not configure automatic deployment rules (ADRs) for software updates
ADRs are used to automatically deploy software updates to clients, but they can be a security risk in the DMZ.
ADRs require that the SCCM server have access to the internet, which could potentially open up your network to malicious attacks. Additionally, ADRs can cause unnecessary traffic on the network, as well as increase the load on the SCCM server itself.
For these reasons, it is best practice to not configure ADRs for software updates in the DMZ. Instead, use manual deployment methods such as deploying software updates from the console or using scripts. This will help ensure that your network remains secure and that you don’t experience any performance issues due to unnecessary traffic.
10. Do not install management points or distribution points on the DMZ
Management points and distribution points are used to communicate with clients, which means they need access to the internal network. If these components are installed on the DMZ, then there is a risk of malicious actors gaining access to the internal network through them.
Therefore, it’s best practice to keep management points and distribution points off the DMZ and instead install them in the internal network. This will ensure that communication between clients and SCCM remains secure and that the internal network remains protected from external threats.