Customer Reviews

Effective Security Management, Third Edition

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While Effective Security Management provides a reasonable, high-level look at security management and all of its aspects, I found it to be remedial and insufficient. I own it as a textbook for a graduate course, and many of my classmates agree that you could read the end summary of each chapter to get all of the information of interest.

Beyond that, I was disappointed with the tone and messaging for many parts of the book. At times, examples in the book appear rather sexist in nature, often referring to things that women tend to do wrong. The same also goes for references to people living alternative lifestyles. The book also makes references to moral issues when it would be more appropriate to talk about ethics.

Finally, the 'new' computer section is woefully dated and inadequate. Sennewald may feel that it's necessary to include some high level review of different computer components, but this knowledge doesn't really help manage computer security, and the approach puts computer and information security as mere afterthoughts to an overall security management approach.

Unfortunately, this book is currently seen as one of the best books in the field. So, if you have to read it, make sure to do so with caution and supplement the material with other sources.

I found Sennewald's book to be complete, easily understood and worthy of practical application. The book focuses on security management approaches to not only introduce security to an organization, but also to stabilze, enhance and gain support for existing security systems/department. Sennewald foregoes the lock and key discussion to present suggestions every security manager can use. The book outlines organizational systems and explains security's important role in organizations. It concentrates on development of human resources of security departments. The book is an easy read, clear and concise.

The latest edition of Effectiv Security Management is an invaluable reference for new security managers and a good tool for the experienced security professional. The book begins with the 30,000 foot view then quickly focuses on each aspect
of security management.

The reader gets a valuable perspective on corporate culture and the role of each member of the security team, along with good checklist for hiring new employees and creating job descriptions.
The book does a good job of explaining on-the-job training and methods for discipline, motivation and promotions.

The book also covers the role of security communications within the company. The book covers techniques for managing the security department by defining methods for risk assessment, planning and budgeting with good examples. The book explains the importance of written policies and procedures and provides techniques for applying computer technology to department management along with ways to employ statistical analysis in managing a security department.

There is an excellent section on relationships with Law Enforcement, industry and the community in this book. The most amusing and insightful section was "Jackass Management". The reader is certain to find examples of management types they have experienced in the past and are likely to encounter in the future. The book is well written and well worth the time to read.

Michael Khairallah, PSP
Security Design Solutions
Covington LA

Mr. Sennewald continues to provide excellent commentary on becoming an effective security manager. This book should be helpful to those beginning a career in security management. It provides thoughtful insight into the many issues a new manager faces. For those already working in security management, the book provides a concise guide to what works. The chapter on computers is one of the few places where a more complete discussion would be welcome, as it is too simplistic.

By Jeffrey W. Bennett, ISP, author of ISP Certification-The Industrial Security Professional Exam Manual and

Insider's Guide to Security Clearances

Frankly this is an excellent book that teaches the tremendous role security plays. Contrary to some corporate environments, this book teaches that security should not be run from the background. Mr. Sennewald does an excellent job of demonstrating how security should be conducted in a corporate environment. For most, the lessons taught here will involve a change in culture that is desperately needed to allow the security function at an executive level position and allow the security executive to function at all levels.

The first chapters consider the security professional and the roles, structure and environment of the security organization at all levels of a corporate structure. The rest of the book shows how to conduct security surveys and perform risk analysis. It also spends considerable time teaching security as a profession and is heavy into how leaders should lead and conduct themselves professionally. Quality work!

After many years of working in the government, I had been looking for the ultimate "how to" book of how security should be structured. This book gets it and teaches it well.

If you are looking for a study aid for the CPP, ISP or other security certification, add this to your library.

You just can't go wrong adding a book written by Charles Sennewald to your library. I have most of them and treasure all of them. They are a great source to find solutions to your security issues.
When I prepared to take the CPP Exam twenty years ago, I noticed very little changes in management techniques over the decades. But this has changed and Chuck has brought these new concepts to the forefront with this book.
As a security consultant for twenty-two years, my own security survey has evolved into what I considered a "finished product" until I read Appendix B - Security Vulnerability Survey and discovered questions that I hadn't included in my own survey.
The security profession is an on-going learning process and you can't find a better teacher than Charles Sennewald. So don't just buy this book. Buy them all.
Fred Zagurski, CPP, CDT
Principal
Fred Zagurski Consultants
[...]

Rarely have I read a book that so clearly reflects the author's obvious knowledge, understanding and personal hands-on experience in the subject of which he writes. What I found particularly refreshing is that Mr. Sennewald, unlike so many other authors of professional publications, succeeded in effectively conveying his messages in simple yet precise English. Read it once and you understand.

Security management is an ongoing process. My recommendation to every security manager or executive is to use this comprehensive publication to supplement, revise, update, and fine-tune his or her organization's security related programs, policies, and procedures. Understanding and following the contents of Mr. Sennewald's book will undoubtedly improve the reader's security management skills.