Computer Forensics JumpStart (Jumpstart (Sybex)) [Paperback]

Michael Solomon (Author), Neil Broom (Author), Diane Barrett (Author)

Book Description

Series: Jumpstart (Sybex) | Publication Date: December 10, 2004

Launch Your Career in Computer Forensics—Quickly and Effectively

Written by a team of computer forensics experts, Computer Forensics JumpStart provides all the core information you need to launch your career in this fast-growing field:

• Conducting a computer forensics investigation
• Examining the layout of a network
• Finding hidden data
• Capturing images
• Identifying, collecting, and preserving computer evidence
• Understanding encryption and examining encrypted files
• Documenting your case
• Evaluating common computer forensic tools
• Presenting computer evidence in court as an expert witness

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Launch Your Career in Computer Forensics—Quickly andEffectively
Written by a team of computer forensics experts, ComputerForensics JumpStart provides all the core information you need to launch yourcareer in this fast-growing field:

• Conducting acomputer forensics investigation
• Examining the layout of anetwork
• Finding hidden data
• Capturing images
• Identifying, collecting,and preserving computer evidence
• Understanding encryption and examiningencrypted files
• Documenting your case
• Evaluating common computer forensic tools
• Presenting computer evidence in court as an expert witness

About the Author

Diane Barrett, CISSP, teaches classes on networking, security, and virus protection on ISSA's Generally Accepted Information Security Principles Project.

Neil Broom, CISSP, is a consultant in the fields of computer forensics, information assurance, and professional security testing. He currently serves as the VP of the Atlanta chapter of the ISSA.

Michael Solomon, CISSP, TICSA, is a security consultant and trainer and has worked with clients such as EarthLink, Nike, and Lucent Technologies.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (December 10, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 078214375X
• ISBN-13: 978-0782143751
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #643,435 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Good Introductory Book, April 20, 2007

By 

Adam Coven "Adam Coven" (NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Computer Forensics JumpStart (Jumpstart (Sybex)) (Paperback)

Like the previous reviewer I agree that the book does cover a fair breadth of material but not great detail. But, as a quick search will show, there are several hundred books on the subject. Most of those books are very technical and detailed unlike this book which is a great introduction to an incredibly complex industry. If your interested in getting more information about this field before jumping in this is a must have.

17 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This is an eye opening book!!, May 2, 2005

By 

Somerset Adams "Paul" (Indian Mound, TN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Computer Forensics JumpStart (Jumpstart (Sybex)) (Paperback)

The book I chose to review was a book on Computer Forensics. Computer forensics is a very helpful easy to read book on investigative techniques for corporate managers or law enforcement. Unauthorized Internet access for employees could potentially grow into a festering tumor for many employers. This book details how someone with basic computer skills could investigate a workstation to see if anything malicious has been occurring.
The authors do a splendid job of offering real work examples to show the damage of inappropriate access and use by certain individuals. The use of the Internet and emails as a method of destruction is particularly alarming. Criminals and people with a penchant for malice are using emerging and established forms of communication to pervert the original intent of creators. The examples give snap shots into the complexity of the world of 21st century crimes.
The book is does go into detail about fraud on web based commerce. Thing such as ebay and bargain shopping web sites, seem noticeably missed in the context of crimes committed. The interesting example they use is the theft of website design from one website. Criminals could then use such designs to their own professional credit. It proceeds to tell the audience how to retrace the computer footprints to determine if designs were stolen.
It surveys overall Internet issues such as domain name services and email servers. The subject matter is daunting to say in the least, but the authors keep an individual grounded in the fact they are a beginner. It gives the feel of becoming a modern Dick Tracy or Sam Spade. The section also covers encrypted passwords, which are becoming more commonplace due to online commerce.
My main criticism would be the overall simplicity the authors present when entering such a field. It almost smacks of snake oil salesmen bartering cure alls. The work seems admirable but a very vast field, which encompasses everything from the intellectual property rights of web designers to human resource managers keeping tabs on company employees. Other than those points, I would say this is a must read for anyone who plans to enter businesses, which conduct online based exchanges of information or capital. It was a real experience to discover the depth of emerging criminal conduct with technology.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good primer on computer forensics, but it should not be used for more than that, January 2, 2011

By 

Charles Ashbacher (Marion, Iowa United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Computer Forensics JumpStart (Jumpstart (Sybex)) (Paperback)

There is no question that computer security and the preservation and recovery of digital data in cases where there is potential malfeasance is a valuable skill. It is also an area that requires a great deal of technical expertise, as even an inappropriate bit among billions being altered can lead to a failure. The computer that may contain the important data must have the digital contents copied in a "pure" manner and then the computer containing the memory must be stored away as evidence. Even the volatile data in the RAM may have to be archived for examination.
This book is at best a primer on how to perform computer forensics, while it does explain what the field is to those with computer experience; in many ways you get only enough information to make yourself dangerous. The fundamentals of extracting data from computers as well as a list of some of the court-approved tools is covered, but not to any depth where a person could read about them and then use them effectively. By effectively, I mean well enough to be considered an expert witness in court. The contents of this book should be considered as only a first step in several composing a journey to where you can justifiably be considered an expert in digital forensics. If kept within those parameters, then this book is a good place to begin your studies.