IT Connection Newsletter: Winter 2004

Windows Small Business Server 2003 and Windows XP Professional incorporate new or enhanced security solutions that can help keep your network safe from virus attacks, malicious hacking and unauthorized use.

Because attacks on computer security are steadily growing in sophistication and frequency, it is crucial to protect your small business network by staying up to date on security technology. Microsoft has devoted significant resources to improving the security of operating system software, so the heart of the IT security strategy for any small business should be to deploy the latest production releases of Microsoft operating systems and to stay current with security patches.

Windows Small Business Server 2003 and Windows XP Professional incorporate new or enhanced security solutions that can help keep your network safe from virus attacks, malicious hacking, and unauthorized use. Many of the latest security technologies from Microsoft, such as IIS Lockdown Wizard and Urlscan, are free downloads or are included in Windows Server 2003 and Exchange Server 2003. All you have to do is initiate them.

Windows Small Business Server 2003
Windows Small Business Server 2003 provides many important new security features and improves on the security features originally included in Windows 2000 Server. These include:

• Internet Connection Firewall
• Secure IAS/RADIUS Server
• Secure Wireless and Ethernet LANs
• Software Restriction Policies
• Security Improvements for Servers on Ethernet and Wireless LANs
• Increased Web Server Security
• Encrypting the Offline Files Database
• FIPS-compliant, Kernel-mode, Crypto Module
• New Digest Security Package
• System Security Improvements
• Credential Manager
• Certificate Autoenrollment and Autorenewal

Windows XP Professional
Windows XP Professional offers desktop computers the best security, privacy and security management features Windows has ever provided. These include:

• Corporate Security
• Controlled Network Access
• Simple Sharing
• Blank Password Restrictions
• Encrypting File System
• Certificate Services
• Credential Management
• Fast User Switching
• Personal Privacy
• Internet Connection Sharing
• Internet Connection Firewall
• Software Restriction Policies
• Internet Protocol Security

How Progent Can Help
Progent’s certified security experts can help you realize the benefits of Microsoft’s latest security technology by performing an assessment of your existing network. Progent will follow up with recommendations for software upgrades, infrastructure changes, and business process improvements. Progent can also help configure your system and application software to match the level of security and performance your business requires.

Some of the security services available from Progent’s consulting professionals include:

• Configuring and updating antivirus software
• Setting up firewalls and auditing firewall rules
• Periodically assessing Information System Security
• Critical update management using Microsoft’s Software Update Services
• Securing Windows Server 2003 with Policies and Templates
• Implementing Virtual Private Networks
• Deploying Secure Wireless Networks
• Upgrading Windows NT 4.0 Domains to Windows Server 2003
• Installing and configuring network intrusion software to detect and correct security weaknesses or breakdowns before they cause you to lose productivity
• Clean up and repair services in case of successful attacks from viruses or hackers

Call Progent for Security Help
For small businesses unable to afford in-house experts who stay current on the latest security technology, Progent’s consultants represent an easy and affordable way to keep your IT network up to date and safe. Progent can also provide a CISSP-certified consultant for a comprehensive assessment of your network security.

For more information, visit Network Security.

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