Using Security Templates and Group Policy to Secure Windows Servers

Securing an operating system is a challenge, but also a necessity. One obstacle to securing the operating system is ensuring that all of the servers are correctly configured for security. Of course, the start of securing the server is the build, but afterward there are other settings that must be put in place to properly secure any server. Active Directory group policies provide a mechanism to assist with just this task in a Windows 2000 environment. Using group polices provides central management, consistent security settings on servers or desktops, and a means to quickly update settings when necessary. Group policies are intended to be an integral part of a complete security strategy, not the security strategy. This document describes how you can secure a Windows 2000 server using group policies.