This book is what it says:
Professional - goes way beyond what Joe Homebody needs, but Joe will enjoy the casual style, the unexpected humor, and the unfailingly complete wealth of security knowledge imparted by Mr. Grimes concise delivery. This is not just a theory book, though the theory is explained, it is a "doing" book, complete with instruction lists and screen shots to guide you through the steps.
Windows Desktop and Server - if you own a Windows-based computer of any kind, this book will help you secure it. It includes not only basic Windows security concepts that would help you with troubleshooting problems on Windows 9X machines at home, but also the latest and most current security techniques to be employed in securing Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows 2003 Server for the most demanding DoD, Private Sector, or Homeland Security environments. The strategies discussed will be just as useful on the new Vista operating system currently under development by Microsoft.
Hardening - Every Windows computer is installed with minimum security so that we idiots won't be accidentally locked out of our own stuff. This book guides us from vulnerability to vulnerability and explains:
- 1. What is the vulnerability?
- 2. What is the theory behind minimizing the vulnerability?
- 3. What steps must be taken to perform the preventive measure?
- 4. How can I automate this preventive measure to secure a domain or even an enterprise-wide network?
On this last point, it is noteworthy that the book guides you through the areas of the Active Directory and particularly through the use of Group Policy Objects (GPO's) that will allow an enterprise administrator the ability to replicate a strong and consistent security policy throughout the enterprise from the top down. There is no area of vulnerability that is not discussed.
Finally, Mr. Grimes's 30-page list of "Where Malware Hides" is the only complete listing of its kind ever published - AND THIS LIST ALONE IS WORTH THE COST OF THE BOOK. The way I look at it, the other 540 pages are a bonus thrown in just for free!