54 of 58 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Anyone responsible for info security should read this book, July 11, 2001
This review is from: Security Engineering: A Guide to Building Dependable Distributed Systems (Paperback)
A large group of programmers were asked a hypothetical question: If Microsoft was to build an airplane, would you get on it? All of the programmers instantly said no, save for a sole programmer who said he would definitely board the plane. When asked why he was so confident about getting on the plane, he replied, "If Microsoft were to ever build an airplane, it would be extremely safe since the plane would never make it out of the gate."
When it comes to information security, its current state is similar to that of a Microsoft airplane--built, but often flashy, while not forcefully functional. The root of the problem is that most organizations view security as something added on in a piecemeal fashion, rather than an integral engineering issue.
Those in the construction business get this concept; they know that designs, plans, permits, coordination, commitment, buy-in, etc.,; are all requirements, not options. Similarly, before any information security product is rolled-out, the appropriate project plans must exist. While the concept that design must come before implementation is a given in most other industries, many IT departments lack this understanding.
Thus is the quandary that Ross Anderson deals with in Security Engineering: A Guide to Building Dependable Distributed Systems. In a nutshell, Security Engineering is one of the best security books ever written. If you are looking for 50 pages of screen prints on how to install and configure a printer under Windows 2000, this is the wrong book for that. What Anderson does, in great detail and with lucidity, is particularize all of the aspects that are required to create a security infrastructure. He relentlessly reiterates that security must be engineered into information systems from the outset. When security is retrofitted into an application or system, it is never as effective.
Anderson defines security engineering as "building systems to remain dependable in the face of malice, error or mischance. As a discipline, it focuses on the tools, processes and methods needed to design, implement and test complete systems, and to adapt existing systems as their environment evolves."
In its 24 chapters, the book covers every domain of computer security. As noted security guru Bruce Schneier writes in the book's foreword "If you're even thinking of doing any security engineering, you need to read this book." Schneier's comment compliments his own attitude that security is not a product, rather a process. Going with that mantra, Anderson demonstrates in exhaustive detail how information security must be implemented in every aspect of the information system's infrastructure in order for systems to be dependable and secure.
The often knee-jerk response to information security is to deal with it at the product level. With that, the security product of the year is purchased (Air Gap, IDS, PKI, etc.) and the company hopes and prays for security. Unfortunately, it does not work like that. Anderson writes that security products can't operate in a vacuum. They must operate in the framework of a comprehensive architecture supported by policies. That is precisely why there are huge amounts of books on security component technology, but very few on how to use them effectively. When it comes to making all of these security technologies interoperate, there are few good titles in print, and that is the value of this book....
In more than 600 pages of intense information, Anderson lays the groundwork on how to build a secure and dependable system. Every aspect of information security is discussed in the book -- from passwords, access control, and attacks, to physical security and policy. Additionally, relevant and timely topics such as information warfare, privacy protection, access control, and more are discussed. This is the only book that covers the end-to-end spectrum of security design and engineering.
Just as important as the technical issues covered in the book, the entire range of attacks that distributed systems can face (technical, procedural, and physical) are also covered. Understanding these threats are paramount in order to properly secure the system. Anderson notes from years of personal experience that many security systems are designed solely to keep the good guys out without thinking of the bad guys. There are two mistakes with this approach -- it only solves a smart part of the problem, and more importantly, the bad guys do not follow the rules. Bruce Schneier likens this approach to security as putting a pole in front of your house and hoping the attacker runs into the pole. The reality is that the adversary will simply go around the pole.
While many of the chapter topics may sound unexciting, Anderson has a wonderful writing style and at times reads almost like a Tom Clancy thriller with its details of military command and control systems and other similar topics. Anyone responsible for information security should read Security Engineering.
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33 of 35 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Comprehensive, current, and stunningly good, April 6, 2001
This review is from: Security Engineering: A Guide to Building Dependable Distributed Systems (Paperback)
It is about time that this book has been written!
Ross Anderson has a unique perspective to offer. He explains complex information, such as the inner working of cryptographic functions, with a clear and precise manner, while at the same time always relating the content to the real world. He possess a rare combination of expertise in theory and experience in practice.
This book covers everything from security of ATM machines, to secure printing; from multi-level security to information warfare; from hardware security to e-commerce; from legal issues to intellectual property protection; from biometrics to tamper resistance. In short, Anderson's book basically covers the entire field of computer security. It is also refreshing that the book is as deep as it is broad.
I will use this book to teach and also to learn. It is a good read cover to cover, and I imagine it will make a fine textbook for many classes on computer security. Every chapter ends with suggestions for interesting research problems and further reading.
As I was reading this book, I kept asking myself how one person could have produced such a comprehensive and complete book. It is indeed a treasure.
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21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A watershed book for the security community, June 26, 2002
This review is from: Security Engineering: A Guide to Building Dependable Distributed Systems (Paperback)
This book changes everything. "Security Engineering" is the new must-read book for any serious information security professional. In fact, it may be required reading for anyone concerned with engineering of any sort. Ross Anderson's ability to blend technology, history, and policy makes "Security Engineering" a landmark work.
Engineers learn more from failure than success. "Security Engineering" brings this practice to life, investigating the design and weaknesses of ATM machines, currency printing, nuclear command and control, radar, and dozens of other topics. Anderson's insights are accurate and helpful, partly because he's served as consultant for diverse industries. His descriptions of criminal and intelligence agency exploitation of insecure systems are startling; fake cellular base stations, fly-by-night phone companies, TEMPEST/EMSEC viruses, freezing electronics to preserve RAM -- all are explained in layman's terms.
The bibliography offers exceptional opportunities for further research, but the second edition needs a glossary. I found some of the cryptography chapter too complicated for non-mathematicians. I also believe the author was misled by whomever told him that "at the time of writing, the US Air Force has so far not detected an intrusion using the systems it has deployed on local networks." (p. 387) (I know from experience this is false.) Nevertheless, these are my only criticisms for a 612 page text.
"Security Engineering" is a book of principles, lessons, and case studies. It offers history, tools, and standards to judge engineering endeavors. This book actually inspired me to learn how brick-and-mortar engineers learn their trade, as their methods and failure analysis may apply to the software world. "Security Engineering" will remain relevant for years, but I recommend you read it as soon as possible.
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