HackNotes(tm) Windows Security Portable Reference [Paperback]

Michael O'Dea (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0072227850 | ISBN-13: 978-0072227857 | Publication Date: June 4, 2003 | Edition: 1

Secure Windows 2000 Server, Windows XP systems, and Windows Server 2003. The book explains how to follow reference matrixes of useful services for Windows and UNIX. Plus, you�ll learn best practices for trace routing and source address location..

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

HackNotes Windows Security Portable Reference gives you step-by-step details of intrusion tactics, tools, and actual techniques used by criminals to break into computer networks. Understand how the attacks work, then learn how to access and strengthen your Windows systems through a series of tested and trusted anti-hacking methods, bulletproof best practices, and system-level techniques. Use the unique Reference Center in the middle of the book to access key information, including common port numbers, system commands, reference links, the top security assessment and hacker tools, and more.

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• Build secure environments using Windows upgrades, tools, and techniques .
• Keep systems up-to-date and well patched .
• Identify what to protect and guard against by learning hacking techniques .
• Block initial entry and limit hacker handholds .
• Deploy internal IP Security solutions with ease .
• Use Encrypting File System for transparent storage security .
• Learn best practices for defending both internal and Internet-facing Windows systems .
• Secure IIS installations .
• Keep unauthorized parties from accessing sensitive data .
• Secure Windows desktops, servers, or entire Active Directory domains .
• Review usage and security innovations of Windows Server 2003 .

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About the Author

McGraw-Hill authors represent the leading experts in their fields and are dedicated to improving the lives, careers, and interests of readers worldwide

Product Details

• Paperback: 250 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Osborne Media; 1 edition (June 4, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0072227850
• ISBN-13: 978-0072227857
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #827,028 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good information meets a Foundstone commercial, October 15, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: HackNotes(tm) Windows Security Portable Reference (Paperback)

Since I am also an I/T Security Consultant, I decided to pick up this book as a good reference or to learn a few tips that I might not have known.

The good:
I'm about halfway through it and there is plenty of great information in it. If you have a good working knowledge of IP networks and (to a lesser degree) associated protocols like DNS, SMTP, HTTP, etc... This will serve as a great reference. It's also good for newer types who want to learn from a very concise author. It approaches a lot of topics from an attack-defend perspective, demonstrating what you would want to accomplish as a hacker vs. what you would want to accomplish as a security conscious sysadmin.

The bad:
It reads like it was published by a combination of Foundstone's marketing department, the author's personal marketing department, and the technical auditor's personal marketing department. Basically every suggestion they have for a tool will benefit one of them with only minor mentions of some of the industry leading applications. I can't really blame them, but I wouldn't suggest taking their tool suggestions directly to heart without doing a little digging on your own.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Concise, relevant, and feature-rich., October 14, 2003

By 

Christopher Imes "Christopher Imes" (Lake Forest, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: HackNotes(tm) Windows Security Portable Reference (Paperback)

With HackNotes(tm) Windows Security, Michael O'Dea has certainly contributed an essential read for those with any exposure to the Windows OS, from the home user to the seasoned network administrator. In clear, easy to follow steps with accompanying screenshots and exact command syntax, the reader is presented first with fundamental concepts and graduates into advanced topics such as "IP Security Policies" and "Active Directory domains".

In this concise and relevant reference book, he offers a refreshing change from the expected tradition of overwhelming the reader with unabridged bibles, if you will, which seem to remain for the most part unread expect for the occasional glance. In just a mere 6" x 1/2" x 9" worth of material (which certainly reads as if its equivalent weight of knowledge is twice that), this is an enjoyable read from cover to cover. Also, in its well organized format with its visual cues and hierarchical headers, it is effortless to quickly find and access any information as you would require from a "portable reference". One of my favorite features is the 32 pages of the <Reference Center> which, as if it was possible, a quick reference for the already concise 230+ page book. For example, listed again are the "Quick Command Lines" and "Command Reference" for the choice of built-in and easily obtainable (and often free) utilities Michael uses to demonstrate his concepts and techniques. Furthermore, he makes an effort to litter the book with treasures of facts which appeal to the trivia buffs such as the explanation about the validity of port 0 during his discussion about port scanning.

BOTTOM-LINE: Do not be dissuaded from the size of this book; what it "lacks" in physical girth is certainly made up for in content with its much appreciated relevancy with discussions about current and significant security concerns.

4.0 out of 5 stars Pocket Reference Worth Owning, September 3, 2003

By 

Kevin (OC, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: HackNotes(tm) Windows Security Portable Reference (Paperback)

For any admin who struggles with the day to day issues of securing their network, this is a must have guide to help you address your holes.
With most guides, you receive only a quick overview of potential problems. With this guide, you not only get the "what's" but the "how's". All this in a compact, well thought out reference.
I would definitely recommend this book for any security conscious administrator.
Now if we could only get the users to read this.