Introduction

Whether a computer is used as a standalone computer, a portable laptop, a member of a workgroup, or a member of a domain, it can be subject to security breaches. All it takes is a person who can physically or remotely access the computer and gain rights to view or change its files. The risk can range from theft of proprietary information, to a breach of personal privacy, to malicious attacks on the computer's operating system.

Windows XP Professional incorporates a number of security methods to protect it from different types of breaches. This chapter looks at how you encrypt files, establish security policies, and configure Internet Explorer security options.