Lock down Windows Server 2003 with the Security Configuration Wizard

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Lock down Windows Server 2003 with the Security Configuration Wizard

by Michael Mullins CCNA, MCP

Takeaway:
If you've been looking for a way to standardize and simplify security settings for your Windows Server 2003 servers, don't overlook the Security Configuration Wizard. Mike Mullins has the details in this edition of Security Solutions.

Many organizations struggle with implementing the proper security features on a new Windows Server 2003 installation, and some just add security as needed. As far as resources go, there are multiple sources for checklists and guides available, including SANS, NSA, NIST, and a host of others. However, rather than reading through hundreds of pages of documentation and creating custom security templates, there's an easier way—the Security Configuration Wizard.

This wizard contains an XML database that includes every service, feature, and administration option for every different server deployment type. Regardless of whether you're deploying a DNS, Exchange, File and Print, Domain Controller, or any other Windows server, this tool has the settings you need to lock it down.

*follow link for details*

 

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Explore the Security Configuration Wizard in Windows 2003 Server

by Scott Lowe MCSE

New in Windows Server 2003 SP1 and R2, Microsoft has made available a tool that will help you to determine exactly what is running on your Windows Server 2003 system and be able to reduce the surface area of your server, thereby making it less vulnerable to an attack. In short, through the use of the Security Configuration Wizard, you can take a very granular look at your system and disable non-required functionality.

The Security Configuration Wizard does not automatically install when you install SP1 or R2. Follow these steps to install:

Go to Start | Settings | Control Panel
Choose Add or Remove Programs.
Choose Add/Remove Windows Components
Select the check box for Security Configuration Wizard, click Next. Make sure you have your source media available.
After installation is complete, the Security Configuration Wizard is available from Start > All Programs | Administrative Tools | Security Configuration Wizard.

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