Mastering Network Security (Paperback)

by Chris Brenton (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
In Mastering Network Security, Chris Brenton presents a complete portrait of all the things that can go wrong with a computer network and provides a thorough discussion of the tools available to counteract them. This book proceeds to explain how malicious software, external attackers, angry insiders, software bugs, and other evil entities can bring down a system. Most of the focus here, however, is on system attacks from the outside. Brenton devotes much attention to the tools you can use to thwart attackers.

This book walks the reader through a security audit and the process of developing an effective security policy. While some of the author's advice in this area may seem like common sense, it's helpful to have the many related issues summarized. Then, on the theory that it's easier to secure territory you know well, Brenton provides an overview of internetworking technologies--notably, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)--and their inherent security characteristics.

Mastering Network Security shows how to implement security measures--including logging, encryption, and packet filtering--on your existing network infrastructure. (He provides specifics for Unix, Windows NT, Cisco IOS, and NetWare). The author also writes at length about supplementary security measures such as firewalls (especially Firewall-1), intrusion detection systems (focusing on RealSecure), and RAID data redundancy (with emphasis on OctopusHA+). --David Wall

Product Description
Do you need to secure your network? Here's the book that will help you implement and maintain effective network security, no matter what size your network is or which NOS you're using. Packed with practical advice and indispensable information, this book systematically identifies the threats that your network faces and explains how to eliminate or minimize them. Covers all major network operating systems -- NT, NetWare, and Unix -- and all aspects of network security, from physical security of premises and equipment to anti-hacker countermeasures to setting up your own Virtual Private Networks. The CD includes evaluation and demonstration versions of commercial firewalls, intrusion detection software, and a complete security policy.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 672 pages
• Publisher: Sybex Inc; Bk&Cd-Rom edition (November 5, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0782123430
• ISBN-13: 978-0782123432
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.5 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,737,155 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Book, September 7, 2000

By A Customer

Technical books tend to bore me to death but I managed to worked my way through this one. The author didn't write it in typical egghead-ese that one might see with any book focused on a such a complex arena of computing. I learned quite a few concepts with this one.

I purchased the book primarily based on the ratings here and want to thank the other reviewers. They were right on with their reviews. This one is a must-read if you're even remotely interested in network security.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "Mastery" not possible, but a strong volume nonetheless, June 14, 2000

By	Richard Bejtlich "TaoSecurity.com" (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

I imagine Chris didn't choose the exact title of this book, as it is another of Sybex's "Mastering..." series. He would probably agree that no single book or combination of books will produce a security "expert." Regardless, I was surprised at the scope of material and Chris' ability to explain it well. I am trying to broaden my security horizons beyond intrusion detection, and I found this book well organized, logical, and amazingly pertinent almost two years since it was written. I found what I believe are very minor errors (e.g., details of a FIN scan), but I can't fault anyone who attempts to capture so much information in one volume. I will recommend my intrusion detection analysts add this book to their reading lists. Thanks Chris!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction to Network Security, November 1, 1999

By A Customer

Mr. Brenton does a good job of giving the uninitiated a good starting point in network security. The majority of his examples are NT-based (which is good because the majority of the people reading this are going to be NT-centric as well) but he also gives some excellent insight into NetWare and UNIX/LINUX as well. Although I was looking for something a bit more advanced, I thought that this book was an excellent book to begin the long road of network security with.