The biggest threat to your network isn't always the latest malware outbreak or a clever hacker; sometimes it's actually the users themselves! An unknowing user is an accident waiting to happen. This is especially true in business environments with underdeveloped Web browsing regulations and overly simplistic passwords.
WIth this scary thought in mind, we've compiled our top five client hardening tips of 2006. Recap the year in client security and make sure your network is protected from more than just the same old external threats.
Online scams: Top five best of the worst
As technology improves to combat the more malicious malware, look for criminals to turn to more social engineering tactics. Contributor Ed Tittel offers his top five online scams as a warning against future dangers.
Building better password policies
In some cases passwords are your network's last line of defense and your only tool to ensure strong passwords is your password policy. Contributor Kevin Beaver suggests tweaking your policy to improve security and usability and discusses ways to get management on board.
Process Explorer 10.2: Client security aid
Hopefully everyone knows and uses Process Explorer, Sysinternals' replacement for Task Manager. Contributor Serdar Yegulalp is a big proponent of its many functions, which include a few client security features.
Tuning Windows Vista security: The firewall
The Windows XP firewall received its share of criticism. So, what has changed in Vista? At first glance, it looks the same, says Microsoft MVP Brien Posey, but with a little digging and some careful tuning, Vista's firewall should be a big improvement.
Backing up and restoring NTFS permissions on a specified volume
Serdar Yegulalp explains how you can harden your security by using the script NTFSBKP to back up and restore NTFS permissions -- either on one folder or to an entire drive.
