Security in Computing, 4th Edition

Security in Computing, 4th Edition
by Charles P. Pfleeger, Shari Lawrence Pfleeger

Security in Computing, 4th Edition
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Book Summary Information

Author: Charles P. Pfleeger, Shari Lawrence Pfleeger
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2006-10-23
ISBN: 0132390779
Number of pages: 880
Publisher: Prentice Hall

Book Reviews of Security in Computing, 4th Edition

Book Review: accessible to a general IT readership
Summary: 5 Stars

[A review of the 4th Edition, that was published in October 2006.]

I would compare this book to Matt Bishop's "Introduction to Computer Security". The latter is far more mathematical. Probably too much so for the typical sysadmin who is looking to defend her computers and network. Bishop's book is perhaps best suited to someone who wants to deeply understand cryptosystems and malware, and who might want to design a new cryptosystem or a malware detector. Whereas the Pfleeger book does not stress mathematical formalism at all. Much easier for a broader IT audience to understand. For a sysadmin, programmer, or an IT manager. All you need is some general background in computing, and much of the book will be very intelligible.

For cryptography, there are 2 chapters, that give a quick overview of symmetric and public key systems. At the schematic level, with few equations. The seminal RSA algorithm is explained. The second cryptography chapter is actually the book's last chapter. Appropriate, because it is the most mathematical section of the text. It includes a nice Figure 12-3, that is an especially clear schematic of the hierarchies of complexity classes. It should make apparent the distinction between NP and P(olynomial) complete problems.

There is a wide survey of malware. For viruses, there are qualitative explanations of how viruses can infect code. The level of detail is not that of more specialised books that focus just on viruses. The text does not give you enough to detect or write a virus. But you can understand how they work, at a level adequate for a sysadmin, say. In other words, if you have computers to defend, and you need to choose between various tools for detection, the book gives you enough education to rationally understand the differences between the methods of those tools. At least to the extent that the toolmakers offer such information, and that it is accurate.

For the malware known as phishing, the book does not offer any technical solution. This reflects the current position of much antiphishing thinking. That phishing is social engineering, and no effective technical antidote is known. To which I say, wait a few months. Marvin Shannon and I invented a seminal antiphishing method, and its Patent Pending should soon be published by the US Patent and Trademark Office. I predict that the 5th edition of this book will have a thorough rewrite of antiphishing.

Summary of Security in Computing, 4th Edition

The New State-of-the-Art in Information Security: Now Covers the Economics of Cyber Security and the Intersection of Privacy and Information Security

For years, IT and security professionals and students have turned to Security in Computing as the definitive guide to information about computer security attacks and countermeasures. In their new fourth edition, Charles P. Pfleeger and Shari Lawrence Pfleeger have thoroughly updated their classic guide to reflect today's newest technologies, standards, and trends.

The authors first introduce the core concepts and vocabulary of computer security, including attacks and controls. Next, the authors systematically identify and assess threats now facing programs, operating systems, database systems, and networks. For each threat, they offer best-practice responses.

Security in Computing, Fourth Edition, goes beyond technology, covering crucial management issues faced in protecting infrastructure and information. This edition contains an all-new chapter on the economics of cybersecurity, explaining ways to make a business case for security investments. Another new chapter addresses privacy--from data mining and identity theft, to RFID and e-voting.

New coverage also includes

  • Programming mistakes that compromise security: man-in-the-middle, timing, and privilege escalation attacks
  • Web application threats and vulnerabilities
  • Networks of compromised systems: bots, botnets, and drones
  • Rootkits--including the notorious Sony XCP
  • Wi-Fi network security challenges, standards, and techniques
  • New malicious code attacks, including false interfaces and keystroke loggers
  • Improving code quality: software engineering, testing, and liability approaches
  • Biometric authentication: capabilities and limitations
  • Using the Advanced Encryption System (AES) more effectively
  • Balancing dissemination with piracy control in music and other digital content
  • Countering new cryptanalytic attacks against RSA, DES, and SHA
  • Responding to the emergence of organized attacker groups pursuing profit

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