GFI Network Security and PCI Compliance Power Tools
Author: Brien Posey
Pages: 466
Publisher: Syngress
ISBN: 159749285X
Introduction
GFI LANguard is one of the most deservedly popular commercial network security tools there is. It’s an administrator’s dream software, a “3 for 1 deal” – it finds, assess and deals with security vulnerabilities. This book was written with the goal of teaching people how to use GFI’s software effectively.
About the author
Brien Posey is a freelance technical writer who has received Microsoft’s MVP award five times for his work with Windows Server, IIS, Exchange Server, and file system storage. Over the last thirteen years, Brien has published over 4,000 articles and whitepapers for a variety of technical publications and Websites, and has written or contributed content to over 30 books.
Inside the book
This title covers four tools, all of which GFI products. Dealing with each of those, the author first takes us through the installation process, which is not just about clicking the “Next” button.
Chapters 2 through 7 acquaint you with LANguard’s Management Console, the different tools at your disposal, the configuration options, how to perform a security scan, how to analyze the results, the use of the ReportPack, performing inventories of your network, and patch management.
Chapters 8 through 12 teach you to use EndPointSecurity, which secures the end users’ workstations against breaches. You’ll learn how to configure it, create protection policies, set permissions and restrictions, and monitor device usage.
The rest of the chapters introduce the EventsManager so you can have access to the event logs, and the Network Server Monitor, which allows you to perform monitoring checks of the various network servers.
Throughout the book, the text is peppered with helpful tips and warnings. Every step of the way there are clear screenshots to help the visual learners among us. Each chapter finishes with a recapitulation of the main points, a few tips on what decisions you should think about carefully, and a FAQ section.
Final thoughts
“GFI Network Security and PCI Compliance Power Tools” is written with time saving in mind. It lacks the usual technical jargon and it’s easy to follow. It will teach you all the things you need to know to become proficient in securing your network, and it will do it fast.
Naturally, there are many particularities to every piece of software. For additional details you’ll have to consult the instructions manual, but by then you’ll feel secure in your already acquired knowledge, and things will fall more easily into place.