Security in Computing, 4th Edition
by Charles P. Pfleeger, Shari Lawrence Pfleeger
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Book Reviews of Security in Computing, 4th Edition
Book Review: The foundational information every professional should know...
Summary: 4 Stars
It's easy to find security books that will tell you how to break or secure a system. But there's not an abundance of books that go into the foundational information in great depth. This one does just that... Security in Computing (4th Edition) by Charles P. Pfleeger and Shari Lawrence Pfleeger.
Contents: Is There a Security Problem in Computing?; Elementary Cryptography; Program Security; Protection in General-Purpose Operating Systems; Designing Trusted Operating Systems; Database and Data Mining Security; Security in Networks; Administering Security; The Economics of Cybersecurity; Privacy in Computing; Legal and Ethical Issues in Computer Security; Cryptography Explained; Bibliography; Index
Security in Computing is probably best thought of as a "textbook" on the subject. At 850 pages, it's pretty dense and structured similar to what you'd expect to pick up at a college bookstore. In all the chapters, you'll be introduced to the essential terms and concepts, which then serve as the base for additional discussion of the finer details and implications. And like most textbooks, there are exercises at the end which you can just see being assigned by your prof. There's a strong emphasis on cryptography, as two of the chapters deal with that topic. Without getting into minutiae and esoterica, the authors give you all the foundational information you could ask for.
This is *not* a practical hands-on treatment of software security. If you're expecting to read up on the latest hacks and virus techniques, you'll be disappointed. This also isn't the type of book you'll be pulling off your bookshelf every day as reference. But if you're a security professional, you *need* to know these essential concepts. This would be one of those "other" security books that you should own to make sure you're covering all the bases on your education.
Book Review: Textbook, not an easy reading book
Summary: 4 Stars
There are a number of approaches to how to teach security ranging from hack it till it breaks to building on sound theory. This book is the latter.
It is a textbook, a bit dry, but that goes with the territory when you know you need to read chapter two to pass the quiz, chapter two gets read. The authors have worked hard, the writing works to make things clear, there are lots of very professional illustrations.
This most reminds me of Matt Bishop's book, with its weight and pagecount, but this is more approachable. This book coupled with a good instructor can certainly help teach the theory, terminology and concepts of information security.
The best chapters are six, Database and Data Mining ten, Privacy in Computing and eleven, Legal and Ethical issues.
The weakest chapter is eight, where they breeze over risk analysis and security policy. I also found chapter three, Program Security made me keep thinking, come on, you are so close, put in the extra effort and take this over the top.
The most interesting thing from a book design is that cryptography is split into chapter two elementary cryptography and the last chapter (twelve) crytography explained instead of being taught back to back.
Book Review: Book Shipped never received
Summary: 2 Stars
I ordered the book on August 24 and expected recieve date was by September 14. I still have not received the book on September 21 and requested that the seller send another book, which they would have been happy to, while using the standard USPS shipping again, but they would not ship Priority Mail with deliver confirmation so I can actually see the tracking information. Then do not expedite shipping, which usually receive books by the 3rd or forth day. The company claims to be shipping out of Deleware and I receive items from Deleware within two days. I would like to see the company ship with delivery confirmation but I don't think they will acutally do that. Needless to say, they refunded my money and orded directly through Amazon (no sellers involved) for a little extra cost with Super shipper Savings.Book Review: Aimed at a really low level
Summary: 2 Stars
I tried using this book for an undergraduate computer security course I teach. I found the level pathetically low, and found only a few scattered sections to have any value for someone with a basic knowledge of computers (like what a first-year student in CS would know). It seems the authors have aimed their book at a general audience; if you want something at all technical, look elsewhere.Book Review: received a different book
Summary: 3 Stars
How am I going to review this product when your seller sends me a book from a different publisher? Content is almost the same and I need this book for the computer course. I am not happy at all that I paid for this book but I received not exactly what I purchased but something similar. I expect Amazon to be checking their sellers carefully so they sale what they advertise.