Guide to Computer Network Security: (Computer Communications and Networks)

If we are to believe in Moore’s law, then every passing day brings new and advanced changes to the technology arena. We are as amazed by miniaturization of computing devices as we are amused by their speed of computation. Everything seems to be in ? ux and moving fast. We are also fast moving towards ubiquitous computing. To achieve this kind of computing landscape, new ease and seamless computing user interfaces have to be developed. Believe me, if you mature and have ever program any digital device, you are, like me, looking forward to this brave new computing landscape with anticipation. However, if history is any guide to use, we in information security, and indeed every computing device user young and old, must brace themselves for a future full of problems. As we enter into this world of fast, small and concealable ubiquitous computing devices, we are entering fertile territory for dubious, mischievous, and malicious people. We need to be on guard because, as expected, help will be slow coming because ? rst, well trained and experienced personnel will still be dif? cult to get and those that will be found will likely be very expensive as the case is today.

Table of Contents:
Understanding Computer Network Security.- Computer Network Fundamentals.- Understanding Computer Network Security.- Security Challenges to Computer Networks.- Security Threats to Computer Networks.- Computer Network Vulnerabilities.- Cyber Crimes and Hackers.- Hostile Scripts.- Security Assessment, Analysis, and Assurance.- Dealing with Network Security Challenges.- Disaster Management.- Access Control and Authorization.- Authentication.- Cryptography.- Firewalls.- System Intrusion Detection and Prevention.- Computer and Network Forensics.- Virus and Content Filtering.- Standardization and Security Criteria: Security Evaluation of Computer Products.- Computer Network Security Protocols.- Security in Wireless Networks and Devices.- Security in Sensor Networks.- Other Efforts to Secure Information and Computer Networks.- Security Beyond Computer Networks: Information Assurance.- Projects.- Projects.

Review :
From the reviews: "This book focuses on educating readers on the security problems that are likely to be encountered. … Overall, this is a well-written text that will provide readers with a solid foundation in information security. … it would also be appropriate as an introductory text for practitioners entering the field and for providing background and business context of security-related business issues for nontechnical managers." (W. T. Neumann, ACM Computing Reviews, May, 2009) “This excellent book by Joseph Migga Kizza is very welcome. The author steers … to give a thorough, complete and very readable guide to the subject. … the book is well structured and presented – offering the basis of a strong balanced course. … stands by itself as a valuable guide. … Who is it for? A very good core text for an undergraduate course in network security, and valuable for any IT professional needing to refresh his or her understanding in this area … .” (Times Higher Education, Issue viii, December, 2009)