Caution! Wireless Networking: Preventing a Data Disaster [Paperback]

Jack McCullough (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 2004 | ISBN-10: 076457213X | ISBN-13: 978-0764572135 | Edition: 1

At last, a book dedicated to alleviating the fears that users may have about the security of their wireless home network. This no-nonsense guide is for wireless home
networkers who want to protect their data from hackers, crackers, viruses, and worms. Written in non-technical language that's perfect for both novices and intermediate users, this book offers a brief introduction to wireless networking and identifies the most common internal and external pitfalls-and ways to avoid and correct them.
* The ideal reference for computer users with a wireless network who need facts separated from fiction to learn what is necessary to protect their networks
* Real-world examples help demystify viruses, worms, cryptography, and identity theft, while expert advice, cool techniques, and step-by-step instructions give readers the know-how they need to secure a WLAN and protect their privacy
* Covers the latest computer security threats and countermeasures, addressing problems that older titles do not cover, particularly in the areas of virus protection

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Sure you’re vulnerable.
Now here’s what you do about it

Calm down. There are definite dangers associated with wireless networking, but you hold the antidote in your hands. This guide, written by a respected security consultant, separates the genuine threats from the hype and hysteria. Then it tells you how to guard against virus attacks, hackers and crackers, rogue access points, drive-by downloads, sniffers, wardrivers, and other very real threats. By following the advice in these pages, you can make your Wi-Fi network as safe as it can be.

• Understand how Wi-Fi works and what makes it vulnerable
• Take a look inside the hacker community and see what makes them tick
• Learn to recognize specific attacks
• Check your system for weaknesses crackers can exploit
• Hide your network from unwanted snoops and hackers by changing default settings and using encryption
• Be able to identify hoaxes and see why they make you vulnerable
• Guard your hardware with electrical protection, proper grounding, and regular maintenance
• Deal with common Wi-Fi problems, such as multipath interference and overlapping channels
• Protect your privacy from spyware, ISP monitoring, and other invaders

About the Author

Jack McCullough is founding consultant of Razorwire Information Security Consulting and a highly respected IT network and security expert. He has been the subject of frequent interviews with Ziff Davis Publications, Information Security Magazine, National Public Radio, and NBC news affiliates.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (October 15, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 076457213X
• ISBN-13: 978-0764572135
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,932,912 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jack McCullough is the founding consultant of Razorwire Information Security Consulting. His technical expertise includes wireless and wired networks, computer security, physical security, programming, cryptography, and technical curriculum development. Jacks background includes 10 years of experience in the IT field. He has held positions as IT director, operations manager, network administrator, programmer, and software trainer.

A respected IT and security authority, he is frequently sought out for informational interviews by both broadcast and print media services. Jack has authored books, magazine articles, and white papers on computer security. His written works have been translated into several languages, and many universities have used his books and white papers in information security courses, as have the governments of Australia, the Peoples Republic of China, Japan, Brazil, and Taiwan.

Jack continues to actively research information security, discover new ways to exploit the weaknesses in networked systems, and determine best practices that enable the average computer user to address these threats in an efficient manner. When he isn't writing about or researching technology, Jack teaches karate and self-defense under the watchful eye of Sensei Floyd Burk at the Alpine Karate Academy in Alpine, California, and practices writing about himself in third person.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must have!, February 22, 2005

By 

Holly 1 (Charlotte, NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Caution! Wireless Networking: Preventing a Data Disaster (Paperback)

This book has been immeasurably useful to me. Like a lot of other people, I had been wanting to install a wireless network in my home, but was scared off by stories I've heard about identity theft, evesdropping, and the like. This reference got me going with confidence..it not only provided a clear, useful assesment of what my particular risks might be, but explained them in a way that showed me the way to enjoy wireless in complete confidence. It is packed with useful info on products and configuration scenarios for keeping secure, and also has basic installation instructions for wireless routers and networks. It's not a thick book, but has everything I need.