NT 4 Network Security [Paperback]

Matthew Strebe (Author), Charles Perkins (Author), Michael G. Moncur (Author), Michael Moncur (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 15, 1999

"Network Security" is a comprehensive guide to securing NT's weak spots. Filled with pratical advice and real-life examples, this book provides all the information you need to keep your NT network safe from both internal and external threats. The honest appraisal of NT's own built-in mechanisms and comprehensive discussion of third-party solutions help you find the best ways to protect your data, your company, and your privacy. Coverage includes:

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

A massive volume covering a decidedly massive topic, NT 4 Network Security is a well-constructed collection of network-security jewels. The book starts out by breaking down basic security concepts and terminology, such as data theft, data communication security, and file system security. Subsequent portions discuss larger and more Windows NT-specific topics, such as Virtual Private Networking using the Microsoft Point to Point Tunneling Protocol and potential BackOffice security holes. In addition, the authors deal heavily with the issue of creating a coherent and logical corporate security policy. Not only do they weave policy suggestions into the book, but they also devote a chapter and appendix exclusively to the subject.

In addition to its content, the design of this book is especially nifty. The pages are studded with tips, terminology, and reality-check sidebars. These contain such nuggets as the URL for the Microsoft Web site, which has software updates to fix security holes in Windows NT that diligent anti-Microsoft hackers have unearthed. They also contain anecdotal data mined from many collective years of consulting experience. (The implied message is to learn from the mistakes of others.) This volume's five appendices are also super-handy. One contains a list of Windows NT security utilities, another features a wealth of online resources, and yet another tackles the security enhancements in Windows NT 5 (now called Windows 2000). --Sarah L. Roberts-Witt

Product Details

• Paperback: 940 pages
• Publisher: Network Press; 2nd edition (March 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0782124259
• ISBN-13: 978-0782124255
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.5 x 2.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,487,136 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good General Security Primer - Weak in the specifics., May 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: NT 4 Network Security (Paperback)

This is a really big book (almost 900 pages) so I assumed that it would include a good overall discussion of security (which it does) as well as an in depth series of recommendations on how to configure various parts of NT in order to secure it (which it really doesn't). If this book was titled Network Security, I think it would be worth 5 stars since it does a great job discussing that topic. Unfortunately, the authors chose to call it NT 4 Network Security which would lead the average reader to assume that there are going to be specific security tips for NT in it. The lack of specific instructions is disappointing. For example - the authors spend just two pages discussing the NT audit facility. I was really looking for in depth analysis and discussion on how to configure it based on your security needs. Other areas that are lacking are some of the registry settings one could make to close certain well known holes in NT 4. Bottom line - for a 900 page second edition there should be more specifics for NT if you are going to call it NT 4 Network Security.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can an NT Security book be fun and thorough? You bet!, February 6, 1999

By 

James McBee "Exchange dude" (Honolulu, Hawaii) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: NT 4 Network Security (Paperback)

I have several Windows NT security related books on my bookshelf. I find most of these lacking in one respect or another; that is why I have several of them. A friend introduced me to NT 4 Network Security. I borrowed her copy to read over the weekend and was so impressed I ordered my own copy before the weekend was out. The book is not only thorough and detailed, but it is fun to read. The authors explained a lot of network security terms that other books did not. They set aside important points in text boxes called "Reality check" and "Policies". They shared a tremendous amount of experience from not only the network administrator's perspective, but also the hacker's perspective. The real-world experiences alone made the book worth twice its price. After my first weekend reading this book, I came away with a 'hitlist' of over 20 items to check and secure on my own network. Even if you have previously read another networking or Windows NT security book, this book will been enlightening and entertaining. I'm glad these guys are on our side.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Lots of pages, few recommendations, May 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: NT 4 Network Security (Paperback)

The comments of the last reviewer really says it all. I bought this book expecting to get some good tips on locking down my NT environment. Instead the book is mostly theory. Not a complete waste, but not as useful as I hoped.