Network Security For Dummies

A hands-on, do-it-yourself guide to securing and auditing a network CNN is reporting that a vicious new virus is wreaking havoc on the world’s computer networks. Somebody’s hacked one of your favorite Web sites and stolen thousands of credit card numbers. The FBI just released a new report on computer crime that’s got you shaking in your boots. The experts will tell you that keeping your network safe from the cyber-wolves howling after your assets is complicated, expensive, and best left to them. But the truth is, anybody with a working knowledge of networks and computers can do just about everything necessary to defend their network against most security threats. Network Security For Dummies arms you with quick, easy, low-cost solutions to all your network security concerns. Whether your network consists of one computer with a high-speed Internet connection or hundreds of workstations distributed across dozens of locations, you’ll find what you need to confidently: Identify your network’s security weaknesses Install an intrusion detection system Use simple, economical techniques to secure your data Defend against viruses Keep hackers at bay Plug security holes in individual applications Build a secure network from scratch Leading national expert Chey Cobb fills you in on the basics of data security, and he explains more complex options you can use to keep your network safe as your grow your business. Among other things, you’ll explore: Developing risk assessments and security plans Choosing controls without breaking the bank Anti-virus software, firewalls, intrusion detection systems and access controls Addressing Unix, Windows and Mac security issues Patching holes in email, databases, Windows Media Player, NetMeeting, AOL Instant Messenger, and other individual applications Securing a wireless network E-Commerce security Incident response and disaster recovery Whether you run a storefront tax preparing business or you’re the network administrator at a multinational accounting giant, your computer assets are your business.  Let Network Security For Dummies provide you with proven strategies and techniques for keeping your precious assets safe.

Table of Contents:
Introduction 1 Part I: The Path to Network Security 7 Chapter 1: Starting Down the Road to Network Security 9 Chapter 2: Evaluating and Documenting Your Network Situation 39 Chapter 3: Assessing the Risks 53 Chapter 4: Planning and Implementing Security Policies and Procedures 65 Part II: Your Network Is Your Business 83 Chapter 5: Choosing Controls without Breaking the Bank 85 Chapter 6: You Could Be Liable If 101 Chapter 7: Building a Secure Network from Scratch 117 Part III: The All-Important Security Mechanisms 127 Chapter 8: Anti-Virus Software 129 Chapter 9: Firewalls and Brimstone 141 Chapter 10: Intrusion Detection Systems 155 Chapter 11: Access Controls/Privileges 167 Part IV: Special Needs Networking 189 Chapter 12: When Patchwork Doesn’t Mean Quilting: Unix Systems 191 Chapter 13: Boarding Up Your MS Windows 201 Chapter 14: Is Anything Eating Your Mac? 221 Chapter 15: Application Software Patching 233 Chapter 16: Very Precious Network Security 251 Chapter 17: Securing Your Wireless Network 261 Chapter 18: E-Commerce Special Needs 273 Part V: Dealing with the Unthinkable 287 Chapter 19: Emergency! Incident Response 289 Chapter 20: Disaster Recovery 305 Chapter 21: Who Did the Dirty: Computer Forensics 321 Part VI: The Part of Tens 335 Chapter 22: Ten Best Security Practices 337 Chapter 23: Ten Best Security Web Sites 345 Chapter 24: Ten Security Tools Every Network Security Geek Should Have 349 Chapter 25: Ten Questions to Ask a Security Consultant 353 Index 359

About the Author :
Chey Cobb, CISSP, has trained CIA and NSA personnel in computer security, held a Top Secret clearance for the U.S. intelligence community, and helped develop government security policies and procedures.