Software Deployment - Installing Logging System for Software Inventory

Software Deployment - Installing Logging System for Software Inventory

In a bid to streamline the deployment of Software Inventory Logger Servers in an environment, a multi-step approach combining scripting, SCCM package/task sequence creation, and secure key management has been outlined. This approach aims to automate the process, ensuring a smooth and secure deployment of the servers.

Steps to Automate Deployment and Key Management

Prepare Software Inventory Logger Server Package

1. Package the Software Inventory Logger Server binaries/scripts into an SCCM application or package.
2. Include a PowerShell script that handles both installation/configuration and AES key/password file creation.
3. Store the AES key/password securely, for example, as encrypted files using PowerShell’s and exporting them securely with .

Create AES Key/Password Pair Files

1. Generate an AES key and secure password in PowerShell using or .
2. Export the key and password securely:

Alternatively, encrypt a password using:

Develop PowerShell Installation Script

1. This script should:
2. Copy/install software files.
3. Retrieve and use AES key and password files for encryption/decryption during inventory logging.
4. Configure logging paths and implement consistent logging (e.g., using or writing logs to a specific log file).
5. Register the service or create scheduled tasks as needed.

Deploy via SCCM

1. Create an Application or Package in SCCM with the above installer script as the detection and deployment method.
2. Use Task Sequences if additional steps are required, such as pre-requisite checks or parallel software updates.
3. Deploy the package to targeted collections.
4. Use SCCM’s reporting and deployment status to monitor installation success and error logs.

Enable Logging During Deployment

1. Use native PowerShell logging capabilities:
2. to log console output to a log file.
3. Custom logging functions writing to a central log location.
4. Configure SCCM to collect, store, or forward logs for audit and troubleshooting.

Secure Handling and Distribution of Keys

1. Optionally use SCCM Compliance Settings or Configuration Baselines to ensure the keys/password files are intact and permissions are correct.
2. Consider Azure Key Vault or other secure vault solutions if cloud integration is possible, or use encrypted SCCM packages.

Example PowerShell Snippet for AES Key Creation and Export

```powershell $aes = [System.Security.Cryptography.Aes]::Create() $keyPath = "C:\ProgramData\InventoryLogger\aesKey.xml" $ivPath = "C:\ProgramData\InventoryLogger\aesIV.xml"

$aes.Key | Export-CliXml -Path $keyPath $aes.IV | Export-CliXml -Path $ivPath ```

Example Deployment via SCCM

1. Create a package with this PowerShell script.
2. Distribute package to distribution points.
3. Create Deployment with required installation parameters.
4. Monitor deployment and use PowerShell logging for troubleshooting.

This approach aligns with best practices for automating deployments and secure credential/key handling commonly used in SCCM and PowerShell automation contexts. Using PowerShell for key generation and secure exportation is standard, while SCCM’s deployment and logging capabilities provide scale and monitoring. If further customization or management of keys/passwords is required beyond file export/import, consider securing keys in vaults or integrating with enterprise secrets management solutions. The utility can be converted into an SCCM Application, and the AES key and Secure password files will be included with the deployment package.

Technology and data-and-cloud-computing play crucial roles in this approach for automating the deployment of Software Inventory Logger Servers. The deployment process leverages PowerShell scripts, SCCM package/task sequence creation, and secure key management to ensure a smooth and secure deployment (technology).

Additionally, Azure Key Vault or other secure vault solutions are suggested for cloud integration, providing an additional layer of security in handling and distributing keys (data-and-cloud-computing).

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