vista

EFS protects data from being read, not deleted. Because attempts to copy an EFS-encrypted file fail, many assume that an unauthorized user cannot delete the file either; however, it can be deleted.
EFS protects data stored on a local NTFS partition. It does not protect data when it is sent across a network. This is a […]

The problems with EFS can be greatly compounded if you are not looking for it as a possible culprit. When a user tries to access a file that has been encrypted by someone else, depending on the type of access attempted or the application being used, the user will generally get one of two messages: […]

Vista includes two encryption technologies: Encrypting File System (EFS) and BitLocker Drive Encryption. As with most technology, once you implement either encryption technology, you might encounter some common problems. In this series of articles, we will take a look at some of the common issues that can arise with both technologies.
If you cannot enable BitLocker […]

As I was combing over this today, I could not help but wonder why some of the items were removed at all? Take DXDiag for instance. This is a tool that nearly every gamer out there is aware of and has likely used to diagnose issues with DirectX. Why was it cut - get this, […]

In the Part II of this series, you learned how to encrypt files in Vista and verify that users are unable to open the encrypted files. An important point to keep in mind is that although the user is unable to open the file, they can delete the file. You might be confused as to […]

Getting started with a basic EFS setup is as easy as a few mouse clicks for a simple configuration. For these steps, I will assume that you’re using roaming profiles to avoid the certificate confusion. From the client, browse to the file that you would like to encrypt. Right-click it and choose Properties from the […]

Vista includes two encryption technologies: Encrypting File System (EFS) and BitLocker Drive Encryption. In this series of articles, you will learn how to set up both technologies in Vista.
To use BitLocker Drive Encryption (assuming you are not using hardware cryptography) you need to first configure the local computer policy to allow you to use USB […]

In Part I of this series, you learned about some of the things to consider before implementing EFS. BitLocker Drive Encryption has some very specific requirements so lets take a look at some of the things to consider before implementing it on a computer.
BitLocker requires local or Active Directory Group Policy modification to enable. It […]

Vista includes two encryption technologies: Encrypting File System (EFS) and BitLocker Drive Encryption. Some prior planning is required to implement either technology effectively.
EFS is designed so that it’s not necessary to have a Certificate Authority (CA) on the network to use file encryption. If there’s no CA, the EFS component will issue a self signed […]

EFS is primarily intended to protect the file system on a computer that is not physically secure. For example, a server kept behind locked doors that has no removable storage devices is not a likely candidate for EFS, as someone would have to break into your server room, remove the drive(s), and get out without […]

As I run Vista myself here in a virtual machine for work, I have come to find myself getting used to this release and find myself less worrisome about the lack of XP for those who prefer it. Despite what others feel was a terrible mistake, myself included at one point, I do not see […]

Setting proper permissions is a good place to start when securing your Vista workstation, but you can go one-step further by encrypting files on your workstation. Encryption provides another layer of protection for information that must be kept private. Vista includes two encryption technologies, Encrypting File System (EFS) and the new Bitlocker, that when used […]

Microsoft makes it easy for users to find hardware products that work with Windows Vista. The Windows Vista Hardware Compatibility List is a catalog of hardware products that are supported by the operating system.
The comprehensive list includes all types of products from input devices to mobile devices. Any products that appear on the list […]

One of the first things you should do after installing Vista is establish a baseline of security for your system. This means making a few configuration changes to make your system more secure. Vista makes this easy to accomplish with the Security Center. The Security Center offers a central location for verifying and configuring essential […]

Hopefully before you start creating groups, you’ve spent some time planning how you’re going to implement them. Creating groups at random kind of defeats the purpose of using them to simplify computer administration. Planning involved identifying how many groups you require, what they will be used for and group membership requirements.
After you’ve finished planning, you’re […]

What happens to permissions when you move or copy? When you copy a folder that has specifically been shared (rather than just inheriting sharing from its parent), the original remains shared, but the copy is reset to Not Shared. However, if you copy the folder to a drive or folder that is shared, it will […]

Troubleshooting permissions in Vista is no easy task. Tracking down an access denied error is particularly difficult when you start mixing share permissions with NTFS folder and file permissions. In this series of articles, I’ll discuss two of the common problems individuals run into when working with permissions — cumulative permissions and moving or copying […]

I don’t believe there is any question that here soon when you use Windows on a PC, it will be Vista. Despite begging and pleading with the Redmond giant, Microsoft has made their thoughts on the matter clear and now closed - there will be no reprieve, XP is a goner.
So this will mean a […]

In Part I of this article, we started to look at how to edit a predefined IPSec policy in Vista. An element of this process may include editing or creating IPSec rules.
Creating an IPSec rule is relatively simple because the Create IP Security Rule Wizard walks you through the process. You can launch […]

One way that you can secure communications between two computers is through IPSec (Internet Protocol Security). With IPSec, the data sent across the network between two computers is encrypted. Sounds simple enough but the process is actually quite complex.
Microsoft’s IPSec is policy-based. IPSec policies consist of rules that specify:

Types of IP traffic to […]