- The authors are respected experts on this subject
- Comprehensive and well-written
- Provides information useful for readers of just about any technical level
- Can come across a bit like a 'sales pitch' for Vista at times
- Combines technical knowledge of Vista security features with sound security practices
- Covers all new Vista security features including User Account Control, Internet Explorer 7, Windows Defender, and BitLocker
- Written by a Microsoft MVP and Foundstone Consultant, and a former senior member of Microsoft's Security Engineering Team
- Published by Wiley, July 2007
- 582 pages
Since the introduction of Windows Vista, it has been hailed by Microsoft and by most media outlets as the "most secure" Windows operating system yet. Microsoft critics have been quick to jump up and down every time a weakness or vulnerability has been discovered- emphatically pointing out that it is, in fact flawed. They fail to realize that there is a big difference between "most secure" and "unbreakable", and that nobody ever claimed it was perfect.
With Vista, Microsoft took tremendous strides on the security front and introduced a variety of new features and technologies. UAC (User Account Control) has been widely criticized, mostly by Microsoft's competition and those who don't really understand its purpose or how to use it. Microsoft also included hard drive encryption with Bitlocker, the new and improved Internet Explorer 7, and more. There is a learning curve to understand these new components and use them properly.
Grimes and Johansson provide the knowledge and details you need to know to understand these new security features. They walk you through how to configure them to protect your Windows system. They also understand that the user is the key to security, and they take a holistic approach in trying to educate the reader on sound security practices that complement the security technology in Vista.
The book is a little "rah rah" Microsoft in spots, but that doesn't take anything away from its exceptional value. Pick this book up and put it to use.