Customer Reviews

NT 4 Network Security

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.