William C Boni & Dr Gerald L Kovacich
Butterworth-Heinemann
£21.99
Date Published: 1999 Content: 240 Pages Tel: +44 (0) 1865 888180 Fax: +44 (0) 1865 314091
As I have previously mentioned, I am a security generalist and not an expert in computer and Internet security. However, I do recognise that this is a subject not to be ignored, and it is an area of security that is going to have an ever increasing relevance to our profession. Unless we intend to lose authority over this significant element of our responsibilities, and pass complete control to in-house technicians or outside consultants, we should at least try to keep up with the basic concepts and threats.
I-Way Robbery is a book specifically written for the security/law enforcement professional, to enable them “to make informed judgements concerning the nature and extent of the new risks created by I-Way [Internet] connectivity”.
Some prior knowledge of computer/Internet basics would be useful, but this book has been purposely and skilfully written in a clear and mostly non-technical fashion. The successful accomplishment of this intention is no doubt due to the extensive and very applicable background of the two (American) authors, who’s past employment and experience in security and IT would alone make an interesting book.
The main premise of the book is to effectively catalog the history of crime on the Internet. Coverage includes the range of crimes committed, who have been the targets, who have carried out the crimes and what has been their motivations, how the crimes have been actioned and a short discussion upon possible defence.
Great use is made within the book of numerous documented actual incidents. These graphic descriptions will at least convince you upon the need for action and may even incite a little paranoia. Fortunately, although the lions share of the books content details problems rather than solutions, there are very comprehensive appendix giving sources of information, services and even Internet access routes to defensive tools. All of which should serve to restore your confidence.
- Incidentally, I would be failing in my duties if I did not mention that Internet Security — The Threats, Defence and Future is to be the subject of this years Loughborough University Security Research Group (LUSRG) Symposium. This promises to be a very worthwhile event of interest to all security practitioners. The date set is the 1st June 2000, details can obtained by emailing a request to the (LUSRG) Secretary at brian@ manguard. demon.co.uk
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