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Maximum Security: A Hacker's Guide to Protecting Your Internet Site and Network Review by Charles Ashbacher
Packed with quality links to specific information
There is no task more daunting than one that is fundamentally impossible, extensive and yet necessary. Computer security is like that, as the only secure computer is one that is disconnected from all power sources. The moment it is powered up in a mode that allows useful work to be done, it becomes vulnerable. Furthermore, the number of ways it is vulnerable is effectively infinite, meaning that the number is so large and complex, that it is not possible to handle them all. Finally, it is necessary, as the world is full of a large number of people whose sole purpose in life seems to be to cause as much damage and frustration as they possibly can. Therefore, there is no choice but to apply as many security features as possible to all our computer systems.
This book is an overview of the primary aspects of computer security. Split up into the six broad categories: security concepts, hacking 101, a defender's toolkit, weapons of mass destruction, architecture, platforms and security; and security and integrated services, there is also an extensive bibliography of websites, books and software. If you are interested in an overview of computer security, then this book will provide it.
However, the main value that I get from the book is from the links to more detailed information. I recently taught a special topics course in computer security and I found it invaluable in tracking down detailed information concerning topics such as specific types of distributed denial of service attacks, steganography, password cracking dictionaries and communication protocols. The encyclopedia form of the book makes it very valuable as a primary initial reference.
Useful as an overview for people seeking their first knowledge of computer security, this book will also have value for the IT worker who needs pointers to specific information regarding computer security.