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Security UPDATE--Group Policy and Corporate Policy--October 13, 2004

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Security Administrator

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1. In Focus: Group Policy and Corporate Policy

2. Security News and Features

- Recent Security Vulnerabilities

- Modify Your ASP.NET Applications for Added Security

- Microsoft Working on Spyware Solution

3. Security Matters Blog

- Security Fixes Available for Mac OS X

- Security Update for Firefox Preview Release

4. Security Toolkit

- FAQ

- Security Forum Featured Thread

5. New and Improved

- Use Certificates to Secure Your Files

- Monitor Keystrokes, Passwords, Emails, and Web Site Visits

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==== 1. In Focus: Group Policy and Corporate Policy ====

by Mark Joseph Edwards, News Editor, mark at ntsecurity / net

Recently on a popular mailing list devoted to security on Microsoft platforms, a member explained that he had configured Group Policy to prevent people from installing unapproved software on their systems. He wrote that he wasn't content with Group Policy Objects (GPOs), because they only block the installation of software packaged in Windows Installer (.msi) files, which means that executables could still run and install programs.

In response, another list member suggested that administrators could adjust ACLs on areas of the registry (such as the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE subkey or HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software subkey) and on directories (such as the Program Files directory) to restrict regular user accounts from having write access, which would prevent the installation of software. These actions could work but might break some applications that need to write to those areas of the registry and file system.

Another list member suggested that administrators could configure restrictions that prevent programs such as setup.exe and install.exe from running. This might work too, but some users will realize they can simply rename typical installation programs and the programs will run just fine.

Obviously, a combination of tactics is required. Completely restricting people from installing software on their systems, whether you use controls built into the OS or add-on controls from third parties, is challenging. The further you programmatically restrict activity on a system, the greater chance you have of breaking some application that users need.

As I read the message thread, it became clearer how much administrators struggle to outmaneuver the people who use the computers on their networks. It seems to me that there is an additional, less stressful way to address this particular problem. Companies can establish written guidelines that explain exactly what employees are allowed and not allowed to do with company computers and make employees liable for any misuse of company computers to deter employees from acting outside the guidelines.

If someone installs software on a computer without permission, somewhere along the line, an administrator will probably have to uninstall that software or rebuild the system to ensure some desired level of system integrity. This work costs the company money and is basically a waste of company time. So why not consider a corporate policy that lets you charge the negligent employee for the time and labor needed to restore a system to its original configuration? Of course, you could also add even stronger deterrents to your policies if your situation warrants them.

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==== 2. Security News and Features ====

Recent Security Vulnerabilities

If you subscribe to this newsletter, you also receive Security Alerts, which inform you about recently discovered security vulnerabilities. You can also find information about these discoveries at

http://www.windowsitpro.com/departments/departmentid/752/752.html

Modify Your ASP.NET Applications for Added Security

The new Microsoft article "Programmatically check for canonicalization issues with ASP.NET" ( http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=887459 ) recommends program code adjustments for applications that use ASP.NET. The changes will help strengthen overall security because they prevent intruders from gaining access to files they shouldn't be able to access.

http://www.winnetmag.com/Article/ArticleID/44182/44182.html

Microsoft Working on Spyware Solution

During a recent trip to the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California, Microsoft Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates revealed that his company is working on an antispyware software solution. Gates didn't say when the company would ship the technology or whether it would be bundled with Windows or shipped as a standalone product.

http://www.winnetmag.com/Article/ArticleID/44141/44141.html

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==== 3. Security Matters Blog ====

by Mark Joseph Edwards, http://www.windowsitpro.com/securitymatters

Check out these recent entries in the Security Matters blog:

Security Fixes Available for Mac OS X

For those of you who support Apple systems on your network, be aware that a new set of security patches for Apple Mac OS X is available now.

http://www.winnetmag.com/Article/ArticleID/44181/44181.html

Security Update for Firefox Preview Release

If you're using the Mozilla Firefox Web browser, you might need to install an update to protect your systems against possible attacks. On September 29, Alex Vincent reported a vulnerability that might let intruders delete files on a user's system. Mozilla issued an update for the browser on October 1.

http://www.winnetmag.com/Article/ArticleID/44139/44139.html

==== 4. Security Toolkit ====

FAQ

by John Savill, http://www.windowsitpro.com/windowsnt20002003faq

Q: Why can't clients view a Web site that I'm hosting on a system that has Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) installed?

Find the answer at

http://www.winnetmag.com/Article/ArticleID/44146/44146.html

Security Forum Featured Thread

A reader writes that he wants to move some data into a shared read-only area in his file system. The data should ideally retain its current permissions to the extent that only those with access now can still access the data after the migration. To achieve this goal, he proposes to use the Everyone group with a "deny" attribute to ensure that, despite existing permissions, the highest level of access available to the user community will be read-only. He would also like to prevent anyone from mass-copying data out of this area. He wants to know whether what he's trying to achieve is possible and, if so, how he can do it. Join the discussion at

http://www.winnetmag.com/Forums/messageview.cfm?catid=42&threadid=125757

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==== 5. New and Improved ====

by Renee Munshi, [email protected]

Use Certificates to Secure Your Files

EldoS offers EldoS PKI Tools, which encrypts and signs files using X.509 certificates and manages the certificates. EldoS PKI Tools lets you perform simple file operations such as packing files into a .zip archive, sending files as email attachments, and securely deleting files. You can also perform advanced security operations such as signing and encrypting files and folders. All operations are performed with just a few clicks. EldoS PKI Tools uses digital certificates instead of passwords to provide better information security and integrity. EldoS PKI Tools supports smart cards and USB tokens for storing certificates. EldoS PKI Tools runs on Windows 2003/XP/2000/Me/98. For more information, or to purchase and download EldoS PKI Tools, go to

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Monitor Keystrokes, Passwords, Emails, and Web Site Visits

iOpus Software's ActMon replaces STARR PC & Internet Monitor. ActMon monitoring software claims several unique features: "kernel-level" file protection that makes files completely inaccessible and invisible to unauthorized users, "kernel-level" keyboard recording that even logs the keystrokes entered during Windows XP/2000 logon, and an activity data log that's protected with 256-bit encryption and that can run in an endless loop. In addition to its unique features, ActMon performs the usual monitoring tasks, tracking keyboard strokes, passwords, incoming and outgoing chat conversations, email messages, and visited Web sites. The ActMon PRO Edition adds advanced features such as flexible network functions to send and receive reports via the Internet or a local network. ActMon PRO costs $69.95, with discounts available for multiple users, sites, and nonprofit organizations. ActMon runs under Windows 2003/XP/2000/Me/98. You can purchase ActMon or download a free 30-day trial version at

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Tell Us About a Hot Product and Get a T-Shirt!

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Editor's note: Share Your Security Discoveries and Get $100

Share your security-related discoveries, comments, or problems and solutions in the Security Administrator print newsletter's Reader to Reader column. Email your contributions (500 words or less) to [email protected]. If we print your submission, you'll get $100. We edit submissions for style, grammar, and length.

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