Security for Ubiquitous Computing [Hardcover]

Frank Stajano (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0470844930 | ISBN-13: 978-0470844939 | Publication Date: June 15, 2002 | Edition: 1

* Ubiquitous computing refers to computers embedded in everyday devices communicating with each other over ad-hoc wireless networks
* Focuses on two very hot topics: ad-hoc wireless networking and security
* Covers security issues for well-established and widely used technologies such as GSM, Bluetooth, and IP
* Presents a framework to make sense of the many and varied issues at stake, a taxonomy of the major problems and in-depth discussion of some specific, cutting-edge solutions
* Includes a primer on security and the basics of cryptography
* Describes the security issues in "peer-to-peer networking," a new technology that is gaining prominence in the media with applications such as Napster and ICQ Chat

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...a remarkably readable introduction to the topic...rich in background material." (IEEE Network, New Books & Multimedia Column, November 2002)

From the Back Cover

Ubiquitous computing (ubicomp) is about networked microprocessors embedded in everyday objects: not just cellphones and home appliances but also books, bookshelves, bus stops and bathtubs. This future is closer than you might imagine.

The insecurity of networked PCs is notorious. If we deployed ubicomp systems as vulnerable as PCs, the risks for society would be catastrophic. How can we do better, and what are the new problems? In a very accessible style, this book provides a coherent framework to make sense of the many issues at stake.

Features include:
* An introduction to the state of the art in ubicomp research.
* A readable primer on security and cryptology.
* An up-to-date technical treatment of ubicomp security, including a sceptical look at Bluetooth and 802.11.
* "Peer-to-peer" and ad-hoc networking.
* An in-depth discussion of specific, cutting-edge solutions.
* An extensively annotated bibliography.
Security for Ubiquitous Computing combines clarity, brevity and authority. It will appeal to developers and researchers in ubiquitous computing, wireless and ad-hoc networking, wearable computing and related areas. Because it is readable and self-contained, it will also prove valuable to managers, analysts, technology watchers and end users who want to understand the new opportunities and risks of ubicomp.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 265 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (June 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470844930
• ISBN-13: 978-0470844939
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 6.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #697,459 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book, October 30, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Security for Ubiquitous Computing (Hardcover)

This book is understandable by both the technical and lay person. It provides an overview of what UbiComp is including many real life examples. Then goes on to give examples of the security violations that could result from these technologies. Some of them obvious and others pretty insightful (especially the one about RFID tags).

The book then delves into general security concepts in more detail and finishes off with some greatly named concepts: "The resurrecting duckling policy" and "the cocaine auction protocol".

The appendix has a review on some math if you want to learn it or refresh your memory.

The writing style is very clear and peppered with examples. This book as no ambiguous notation. That in itself is impressive for any technical volume. Amazingly, all that is contained in this very thin book.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great for researchers and anyone into ubiquitous computing, July 25, 2002

By 

Jay (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Security for Ubiquitous Computing (Hardcover)

Great for researchers and everyone who is interested in ubiquitous computing, which may very well be the future of computing. The book in general gives a high-level overview of available technology and security issues/requirements needed for this technology. One drawback is that the book will probably become obsolete after sometime as ubiquitous computing is evolving relatively fast..

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, October 28, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Security for Ubiquitous Computing (Hardcover)

This is an excellent book and well written. It sits between
being a book on UbiComp and one on security and does a great
job of explaining both fields to each other. The examples
chosen are from the authors own history and so he speaks with
authority on them. The author is balanced in that he gives the
minus points on various technologies etc as well as the plus
points.

After an introduction the author spends two chapters explaining
UbiComp and security from a general perspective. Both are well
written and require no prior knowledge. He then in the remaining
chapters goes on to address the particular security concerns
in the UbiComp environment.

I thoroughly recommend this