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Basics -- II
- The Windows Security Center (found on the "Control Panel") helps
you manage your Firewall, Automatic Updates and your
Anti-Virus protection. The Microsoft introduction
Manage Your Computer's Security Settings in One Place gives the
misleading impression that's all there is to security.
-
Windows Defender is new Spyware protection technology from
Microsoft.
- These days many AV vendors include anti-Spyware
protection. Microsoft is moving into the security area with lots of
new products -- e.g., see Windows
Live OneCare -- but many seem to be focused at home computing.
- Most Spyware arrives through poorly protected web browsers (often
IE) and e-mail (often Outlook or Outlook Express) -- see
Improve the safety of your browsing and e-mail activities.
- And users need to be cautious about opening unsolicited mail (see
SANS Tip), downloading files
(another SANS Tip), instant
messaging (another SANS Tip), and
especially careful about where they browse.
-
Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer is an easy-to-use tool that
helps IT Professionals harden their systems. Important security
issues in many areas are tested (eg. how many Administrator accounts
do you have? how many have poor passwords?) and practical advice is
provided on how to address problems discovered. Essential advice but
not for the novice.
