Customer Reviews

Windows 2000 Security (Landmark)

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

 

 

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.

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.

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!

The evolution from NT to Windows 2000 has brought about a significant increase in the complexities of securing your server and network environment. This book provides a well thought out approach to allow you to enhance your knowledge of NT security and extend that knowledge to Windows 2000.