Mastering Network Security

By admin • Jul 7th, 2008 • Category: Uncategorized

Mastering Network Security

Mastering Network Security
By Chris Brenton

Publisher: Sybex Inc
Number Of Pages: 672
Publication Date: 1998-11-05
ISBN-10 / ASIN: 0782123430
ISBN-13 / EAN: 9780782123432
Binding: Paperback

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.

Amazon.com:

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

Summary: A good place to start working on security fundamentals.
Rating: 4

With the need for network security ever increasing daily and the need for security specialist on the rise in the industry, it is nice to see Sybex releasing an update to this manual. While I found this book to more for the foundational concepts rather than the more experienced technician, this is still a great book to work with.

What attracted me to this book was the author Chris Brenton, of whom I read his Mastering Cisco Routers and found it an invaluable resource to my job. I also found his knowledge of this subject matter to be just as impressive, making this a first rate resource. I wished I had read this before the router book and certain concepts would have been easier to understand.

The chapters for firewalls and particular PIX Firewalls, I thought was well documented and explained. The one thing I found most impressive by the text was the fact that the authors made or make no assumption of knowledge level, thereby ensuring the reader have an explanation that will make sense and be comprehendible at the same time.

Another thing I found was that while this book is Network Security and does not conform to any Security Certification objectives, it would be useful for Security exam as well as some others. I also liked the exercises included, but I always want more, which is something to add to the next edition.

Overall for those trying to crack the security barrier you have a great place to get started. The authors did a terrific job and Sybex has a winner in this book.

Summary: Almost Master Network Security
Rating: 4

Overall this text is slightly better than good. After reading almost the whole book I found that for someone interested in theory and not so much in technique, this is a good read. It does go over some good points about planning your security model and gives good advice on how to approach security in your organization. It even goes through a basic install of CheckPoint FW-1 for NT. Topics including policy, legal issues and the user’s ability to comply with policy are interesting but not why I bought this book. I thought Chris put some good information in this text but the title doesn’t accurately match the content.

Summary: Network Security for the Intermediate Admin
Rating: 5

I am learning to be a Network Security Auditor. I have basic to intermediate knowledge of network administration and security. This book propels you well into the intermediate to advanced knowledge of network security. This book is easy to understand, but a working knowledge of TCP/IP, Firewalls and Network Administration is a must. Combine this book with the Hacking Exposed book and you are set.

Summary: Awesome Book
Rating: 5

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.

Summary: “Mastery” not possible, but a strong volume nonetheless
Rating: 4

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!

Free download Links

http://rapidshare.com/files/125605625/2aed61f6c54e3ddc3c9317513cdbad38.7z