Securing Windows Server 2003

Description:

With the success of computer viruses like Slammer, security issues are now a top priority for Windows system administrators, right alongside day-to-day tasks such as setting up accounts and managing performance. If you use Windows 2003 Server at a small to medium-sized organization, or use Microsoft's Small Business Server, this thorough yet concise tutorial offers the hands-on advice you need for securing your network.

Modern network operating systems include bundled services that range from traditional file and print sharing and Internet services to authentication, directory and remote access services each a potential security vulnerability as well as a capability. Securing Windows Server 2003 shows you how to put Windows security tools to work, and how to run the server's subsystems to protect users and resources. But that's just the beginning.

Network security needs to be well thought-out, not treated as a fire drill when a threat occurs. This book focuses primarily on ways to plan and implement a secure operating environment. Microsoft security veteran Mike Danseglio uses real-world examples to show you how various security concepts relate to your own system, including:

• File System Security
  
• Group Policy and security templates
  
• Running secure code
  
• Authentication
  
• IP security
  
• Public Key Certificates and Public Key Infrastructure
  
• Smart Card technology
  
• DHCP and DNS security
  
• Internet Information Services security
  
• Active Directory security
  
• Remote access security
  
• Security audits
  
• Sending secure email, and more

Many chapters include a debate, in which fictional protagonists discuss the pros and cons of a particular strategy or solution. These debates provide an objective look at competing methodologies, so you can select the solutions that best fit your network. Read this book cover to cover to create and implement a security plan, or use individual chapters as stand-alone lessons. Either way, Securing Windows Server 2003 will guide you safely through the morass of security threats.

 

Preface
1. Introduction to Windows Server 2003 Security
      What Is Security?
      What Is Windows Server 2003?
      Security Design in Windows Server 2003
      Security Features in the Windows Server 2003 Family
2. Basics of Computer Security
      Why Computer Security Is Important
      Security Enforcement Mechanisms
      POLA: The Principle of Least Access
      Key-Based Cryptography
      Authorization and Authentication
      Password Basics
      Network Security
      Keeping Your Eyes Open
3. Physical Security
      Identifying Physical Security Vulnerabilities
      Protecting Physical Assets
      Holistic Security: Best Practices
4. File System Security
      Protecting Files with NTFS File Permissions
      Protecting Data with the Encrypting File System
      Protecting System Information with Syskey
5. Group Policy and Security Templates
      What Is Group Policy?
      How Group Policy Works
      How Do Security Templates Work?
      Using Group Policy to Enforce Security
      Using Security Templates to Deploy Secure Configurations
6. Running Secure Code
      Identifying Secure Code
      Driver Signing
      Software Restriction Policies
7. Authentication
      LAN Manager and NTLM
      Kerberos
8. IP Security
      What Is IP Security?
      How Does IPSec Work?
      Microsoft's Implementation of IPSec in Windows Server 2003
      Using IPSec Correctly
9. Certificates and Public Key Infrastructure
      What Are Certificates?
      What Do I Do with Certificates?
      What Is a Certification Authority?
      Deciding Between Public and Private Certification Authorities
      Implementing a Public PKI
      Planning Your Private Certification Hierarchy
      Implementing a Private Certification Hierarchy
      Maintaining Your Hierarchy
10. Smart Card Technology
      What Are Smart Cards?
      Using Smart Cards
11. DHCP and DNS Security
      DHCP
      DNS
      DNS and DHCP Together
12. Internet Information Services Security
      What Is IIS?
      How Does IIS Work?
      Using IIS Securely
13. Active Directory Security
      What Is Active Directory?
      Structural Components of Active Directory
      Domain Controllers
      Default Security Through GPOs
      Providing Security for Domains
      Providing Security for Forests
      Providing Security for Active Directory Objects
      Providing Security for Domain Controllers
14. Remote Access Security
      What Is Remote Access?
      Controlling Access
      Authentication and Encryption Protocols
      Virtual Private Networks
      Example Implementations for Remote Access
15. Auditing and Ongoing Security
      Security Policies and Procedures
      Auditing
      Operating System Updates
Appendix: Sending Secure Email
Index