Hardening Windows (Expert's Voice) [Paperback]

Jonathan Hassell (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1590592662 | ISBN-13: 978-1590592663 | Publication Date: March 11, 2004 | Edition: 1

System administrators know the Internet is a hostile environment. They can't tell when a hacker will attempt to gain access to the SQL server, but they can bet that there will be an attempt soon. Because the operating system is vital to a computer's functioning, and because it's the only layer between the machine's available resources and its users, it's critical that the operating system resist compromise.

Hardening Windows is an intermediate-to-advanced guide to implementing preventative security measures for the Windows operating system, and it's the only book that covers NT, 2000, XP, and 2003. This book is designed to provide a quick and easy checklist-style reference to the steps system administrators need to take to anticipate attacks and compromises, and to harden Windows NT, 2000, XP, and Server 2003 against them.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jonathan Hassell is an author, consultant, and speaker on a variety of IT topics. His published works include RADIUS, Hardening Windows, Using Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003, and Learning Windows Server 2003. His work appears regularly in such periodicals as Windows IT Pro, PC Pro, and TechNet Magazine. Jonathan also speaks worldwide on topics ranging from networking and security to Windows administration. He is currently an editor for Apress, which specializes in books for programmers and IT professionals.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Apress; 1 edition (March 11, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590592662
• ISBN-13: 978-1590592663
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,533,473 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very practical material..., July 20, 2004

By 

Thomas Duff "Duffbert" (Portland, OR United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hardening Windows (Expert's Voice) (Paperback)

If you're a Windows network administrator responsible for making sure your environment is secure, you'll be interested in reading the book Hardening Windows by Jonathan Hassell (Apress).

The chapter breakdown: Hardening: Theory and General Practice; Windows NT Security; Windows 2000 Security; Windows XP Security; Defining Enterprise Security Policies with Windows 2000 and Later; Patch Management; Network Access Quarantine Control; Internet Information Services Security; Exchange 2000 Server Security; Security Auditing and Event Logs; Quick Reference Checklists; Index

A couple things to keep in mind when you read this book. The target audience is definitely network administrators, as there is plenty of talk about group, system, and security policies. If you're looking for a book to help you secure your home laptop, this isn't it. The other thing to remember is that this isn't meant to be a comprehensive reference manual to explain every last security setting. It's meant to be a practical "quick reference" to help you focus on what it takes to make a Windows environment secure. Even with that caveat, there's a lot of information packed into less than 200 pages.

The key word that typlifies this book is "practical". Hassell uses a lot of lists and charts to show recommended settings to ensure a secure environment. In addition to that, each chapter ends with a "Checkpoints" list that enables you to get a quick list of activities and rules to implement in order to maximize your time and efforts. An experienced administrator could use this to make sure nothing has been forgotten, and a new administrator would do well to use this as a roadmap.

8 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read, very informative, March 15, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Hardening Windows (Expert's Voice) (Paperback)

If network security is your thing, then you just have to get this book. You'll know exactly what you need to do with all the detail the author provides you with, though you never feel bogged down with too much. The book is a clear, quick read and is easily understood. It will be very easy to check your progress with the checklist style used. This book is highly recommended.