Today's uber viruses, worms, and trojans may seem more damaging than ever, but the attacking malware and malicious hackers are using the same tricks they always have. With this book, Microsoft MVP Roger Grimes exposes the real threat to Windows computers and offers practical guidance to secure those systems. Grimes shares proven yet unconventional defenses that most Windows administrators don't use. He walks you step-by-step through these techniques, clearly showing you how to secure your Windows operating system beyond the Microsoft defaults. You'll get security advice for Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003, in addition to emerging technologies from Microsoft. Plus, the book details hundreds of group policy settings and the best way to apply group policy objects. Ultimately, you'll discover how to harden Microsoft's most commonly attacked applications while automating all of your security settings. What you will learn from this book * How Windows desktop and server security can be dramatically improved by configuring default security * Ways to enhance authentication and prevent password crackers * Techniques for stopping unauthorized application installation or execution * Tips for defending against the biggest e-mail security threats * How to achieve seamless and secure file encryption * Steps to create customized security and administrative templates * How Internet Explorer functions behind the scenes and the recommended configuration Who this book is for This book is for Microsoft Windows administrators who need to significantly increase the security of their clients and servers using the best methods available. Wrox Professional guides are planned and written by working programmers to meet the real-world needs of programmers, developers, and IT professionals. Focused and relevant, they address the issues technology professionals face every day. They provide examples, practical solutions, and expert education in new technologies, all designed to help programmers do a better job.