How to Lockdown and Secure Windows XP
How to Lockdown and Secure Windows XP
Windows XP was designed on the Windows NT kernel, and thus, has an improved stability and efficiency rating over previous Windows systems. But we aren’t out of the woods yet- Windows XP does indeed still have security flaws that need to be addressed. Properly locking down your Windows XP installation will ensure you can maintain the peak stability and efficiency that Windows XP promises- not to mention it may very well save your computer from certain disaster.
The Basics of Windows XP Security
The basics of all security: use common sense. We won’t review every painfully simple security measure you can take, but we should take a look at these common sense fixes that, ironically, not everyone takes advantage of. We will get to the more advanced stuff further down- for now, let’s revisit Security 101.
Password cracking software is in such a valiant supply, that literally anyone could access the internet and download one without trouble. Likewise, we will need to make passwords that can withstand these brute-force cracking methods. Using both uppercase and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols provide the best passwords. As always, make sure your password length is hefty in size- this and the previous measures will keep the crackers at bay.
Also, be sure to subscribe to Windows Updates and any other updates for software you may have. This may also seem like common sense, but you’ll be surprised to find that many systems are compromised because of a lazy network administrator.
Lastly, don’t share any documents over a network that you aren’t comfortable sharing. In fact, it is better to keep sharing off- so files can’t be planted on your machine. Unless you know who and what is on the network, it is always a good idea to remain stealthy.
Sadly, not all security concerns can be addressed with the above examples- but not to worry, securing Windows XP is easier than you might think.
Ensure Disk Partitions are NTFS
There are a few file system types out today, some more dominant than others. Windows XP makes use of NTFS, or NT File System. This file system is considered to be an upgrade over FAT, or File Allocation Table. For lack of better security, we will want to stick with NTFS- as it offers more security through access controls.
To check what kind of disk partition you have, simply go to My Computer. Now find your hard drive name, usually indicated by the letter C.
Simply right-click and select Properties. Now look for the File System label, it should read NTFS, like the diagram below.
If the file system happens to display “FAT,” or something similar, not to worry: Microsoft has an easy fix. To minimize risk, you should always back up your data before converting to another file system. If you have taken this precaution, you may proceed with Microsoft’s conversion method.
Secure your User Accounts
The user account flaw is a simple fix, but ironically, it is also the most widespread flaw that is taken advantage of today. The United States government, for one, has had trouble with security breaches because of poorly secured user accounts.
Windows XP, like most operating systems and software, comes with a default Administrator account. This account has full access to the system’s resources- something we would hate to give intruders or malicious hackers. Yet, that is exactly what many people do by not changing their Administrator password. It is often a good idea to change the Administrator username as well- as it will only add to the trouble hackers would have in compromising your security. While you’re at it, you should disable the Guest account that comes with Windows XP- it can be just as exploitable as the Administrator flaw can be.
To Turn Off the Guest Account
To turn off the Guest account, you will need to navigate to the Control Panel. This can be accessed from the Start Menu, or from My Computer. Once there, look for the “User Accounts” icon like the one displayed below.
Hopefully, you will see something similar to the image below.
With some luck, your Guest account should be turned off. If it isn’t, don’t worry: turning it off is a cinch. Double click the Guest account image, and then click “Turn off the guest account.”
To Change the Administrator Password or Username
Changing the Administrator password and username is just as easy. You will notice we already have created an administrator with the name byron.
Simply select Change the Name or Create a password to get started.
Turn Off Windows Firewall (Yes, Off!)
If you haven’t heard of the tarnished reputation Windows Firewall has obtained, you’ll be surprised to know that it usually does more harm than good. It conflicts with other firewall programs, limits program use (while allowing even the simplest pieces of malware through), and is generally a hassle to deal with.
You should turn the Windows Firewall off, but you should replace it with another firewall. We recommend Comodo’s free firewall for those who aren’t necessarily looking to spend money on a firewall solution.
First, you’ll need to access Control Panel. Then look for the Windows Firewall icon similar to the one displayed below.
Double click this icon, and you should see a screen like the one below.
Windows will tell you it isn’t recommended, but on the contrary- it isn’t worth keeping it on. If you are accessing the internet for the first time and have no other firewall installed, it is worth keeping until you download a more reliable firewall.
Closing Comments
Windows XP has created many life-long and loyal customers for Microsoft. Compare it to the woes of Windows Vista- and the fact that the majority of people preferred to stick with Windows XP on Vista’s release.
All of the above security concerns should be checked- and make sure that not only is the Windows Firewall disabled, but you replace it with something better. We give props to Microsoft for trying, but even they themselves eventually claimed it should not be relied on as a security measure.
They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and we couldn’t agree more.