Windows 2000 Security (Landmark) [Paperback]

Roberta Bragg (Author)

Book Description

Series: Landmark | Publication Date: October 22, 2000

There is no single, credible reference available for Windows 2000 security issues. Existing and announced books all offer glimpses of outdated and simplistic issues, while Roberta Bragg offers a clear vision, with focused and technically accurate practical advice. Like other books in the Landmark series, this book presumes knowledge of Windows 2000, or the willingness to look elsewhere for a guide to the Windows 2000 interface, as it is not a step-by-step guide to the operating system. (An excellent companion book would be Inside Windows 2000 Server) Its primary directive is to assist the Windows NT professional in understanding and implementing Windows 2000 security in their organization. The book is divided into four parts. Chapters will have a "best practices" section which will make recommendations for settings and security practices. An appendix will follow the main book and will include topics on auditing and security policy.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Bored hackers looking for a new playground. Digital marauders destroying a carefully planned network infrastructure. These and other security nightmares keep network administrators awake at night. Knowledge is the best way to combat these fears, and Windows 2000 Security does its part to help network gurus protect their systems against intruders.

Windows 2000 Security speaks to an audience of network administrators and support personnel. Previous knowledge of Windows 2000 and Active Directory is recommended, but not required, to find this book useful. Each chapter is well constructed and has a clear goal, which is achieved entertainingly, beckoning the reader from one topic to the next. Particularly engaging are the frequent sidebars, which provide additional information and interesting industry anecdotes. Most chapters contain a "For More Information" section, pointing administrators to related resources for each topic.

Windows 2000 Security is divided into four standalone sections that build nicely, one upon the next, as the book progresses. The first serves as a valuable primer for those not familiar with security essentials such as Kerberos and Public Key Infrastructure. The second section addresses security issues specific to the Windows 2000 operating system, including file system integrity and local security settings. The third section describes the security of local area networks that use Microsoft's operating systems. The final segment discusses securing a complex, multiplatform network, including remote access, virtual private networks, and Web site security.

This is a solid guide to Windows 2000 security, an essential reference to any Windows 2000 administrator, and an excellent place to begin learning about current security issues. By necessity it covers a lot of territory quickly. Those focused exclusively on network security may need a more targeted book, such as E. Eugene Schultz's Windows NT/2000 Network Security. --Pete Ostenson

From the Back Cover

There is no single, credible reference available for Windows 2000 security issues. Existing and announced books all offer glimpses of outdated and simplistic issues, while Roberta Bragg offers a clear vision, with focused and technically accurate practical advice. Like other books in the Landmark series, this book presumes knowledge of Windows 2000, or the willingness to look elsewhere for a guide to the Windows 2000 interface, as it is not a step-by-step guide to the operating system. (An excellent companion book would be Inside Windows 2000 Server) Its primary directive is to assist the Windows NT professional in understanding and implementing Windows 2000 security in their organization. The book is divided into four parts. Chapters will have a "best practices" section which will make recommendations for settings and security practices. An appendix will follow the main book and will include topics on auditing and security policy.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 608 pages
• Publisher: Sams (October 22, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0735709912
• ISBN-13: 978-0735709911
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,276,325 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Security at its very best., November 3, 2000

By 

Michael J Woznicki "Michael J Woznicki" (Holland, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Windows 2000 Security (Landmark) (Paperback)

For most network managers the most important aspect of the job is the security of the data. Not allowing hackers into the system is the best way to make sure your data is safe. Setting up RAS, RRAS, VPN, Radius and Terminal Services are all included in that job description.

Windows 2000 Security is a book that not only talks about the concepts but also breaks it down into simple, plain speaking language. The four-part book is easy to follow and while some of the concepts are for the more knowledgeable network managers, everyone should be able to get something from this book.

In part 1 you start off with basic concepts of security, you take a look at crypto, protocols and APIs, and finally you work with public key encryption and Kerberos. Part 2 works in the securing of 2000 and NTFS and well as 2000 EFS.

Also in part 2 the is authentication and security tools and techniques for both 2000 professional and server. Part 3 deals with lanss and Microsoft networks as well as legacy clients. Finally part 4 - real world networks. Part 4 shows you about remote access, public key encryption, other operating systems and also gives you case studies to learn from.

The true network manager will have a book like this around at all times and the true managers and administrators with makes sure that securing the network is a major priority. This book is certainly making its case self-evident.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Security Book - up to Intermediate, October 29, 2001

By 

"paul_long" (London, UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Windows 2000 Security (Landmark) (Paperback)

This book provides a good grounding in security topics, explaining such topics like cryptography, Kerberos and Group Policy. It then builds upon this information to specifics for Windows 2000 OS and services (such as VPN, RRAS, NAT etc). Excellent details on securing the Windows 2000 registry and file system are included - making this book an excellent reference, not just a "read-once-and-pack-away" book.

So why only 4 stars?
* The book didn't flow particularly well (some sections written better than others). It will require a beginner to go back and forth to properly understand the implementation of security in Windows 2000.
* The level of detail was dependent on the topic. OS security, such as File and Registry security are detailed, yet there was not enough information on some topics (for example PKI, IPSec). Sadly, the use of IPSec Policies was hardly mentioned (creating filter lists and actions etc.)
* Finally, some generic security tenants were alluded to, but not explained in the introduction (for example Least Privilege, Security through Obscurity).

I would still recommend this book as an excellent security book for any IT professional working mainly with Windows 2000.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have Book, January 5, 2001

By 

Gary Olsen (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Windows 2000 Security (Landmark) (Paperback)

Roberta Bragg is one of the foremost experts on Security. I got this book based on her reputation and was not disappointed. Security has a lot of dark passages that can lose you, but this book, since it is dedicated to Win2k, covers all topics in a clear, concise format. It is good for security novices and experts. I have used it to not only understand principles but to gather reference information. An Excellent book!