Security has always been important in business environments. It is not possible to describe all of the security features of Windows XP Professional in this brief. However, we can point out several of the outstanding aspects of its multifaceted security.
Windows XP Professional fully supports the Windows 2000 and Windows 2003 Active Directory domain environments and therefore is governed by and takes advantage of the resultant security benefits. The security accounts management system of the Active Directory domain controllers manages domain client identification and authentication. When a user attempts to log on to a network client, they must provide at a minimum a valid user name and password before access is granted. However, more stringent authentication factors can be required such as security certificates, smart cards, and biometrics. Once authenticated, user access to local and networked resources is controlled via authorization defined by NTFS-based permissions. If users are not specifically granted access to resources, they are denied access by default. You can configure Windows XP Professional to record an audit trail of every significant activity that occurs on or through it from the moment the system powers on.
Windows XP Professional supports numerous security mechanisms, including:
- EFS
- Restriction of software installation via GPOs
- Controlled and monitored local and network access
- Support for Certificate Services
- Internet Connection Firewall
- Support for IPSec and VPNs
- Support for smart cards and biometric authentication
- Support for Kerberos v5
Windows XP Professional offers you the most secure desktop operating system available from Microsoft. |
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