Computer Insecurity

Security is one of the most significant issues facing the owners and users of computer systems in the Internet age, and recent years have convincingly illustrated that the problem is increasing in both scale and cost.

Computer Insecurity: Risking the System approaches its topic from the perspective of vulnerability – how can your system be attacked? Covering technical issues and human factors, the comprehensively researched text makes reference to numerous real-life security incidents, which help to provide persuasive practical evidence of the problems and the impacts that result.

Key issues covered include:

• the problem of computer insecurity
• the need to raise security awareness
• common failings that compromise protection
• the attack and exploitation of systems
• considerations in responding to the threats

Presented in clear and lucid terms, the discussion is invaluable reading for all business and computing professionals who wish for an overview of the issues rather than a shopping list of the security measures available.

 ‘In today’s connected world no-one can afford to ignore computer security, this book tells you why, and what you should do about it, in simple non-technical language.’

Dr Jeremy Ward, Director of Service Development, Symantec (UK) Ltd

‘Computer Insecurity contains loads of practical advice supported by an abundance of real world examples and research. If you don’t understand what all the fuss concerning computer security is about then this book was written for you.’Jeff Crume, CISSP

Executive IT Security Architect, IBM and author of ‘Inside Internet Security – What hackers don’t want you to know’

‘I have long been looking for a book that would give answers to why rather than how we cater for Information and Communication Systems Security ... I recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone that wishes to extend their knowledge’

Professor Sokratis K. Katsikas, University of the Aegean, Greece

Many existing titles provide introductions to security concepts and technologies. However, they are typically presented in the style of either academic textbooks or ‘how to’ guides. A business manager, for example, will be more interested in the problems that he may face, and their impact, before being told about the technological solutions.

The comprehensively researched text makes reference to many real-life examples to illustrate the points being made, which help to provide evidence of security incidents and the consequences. The book helps to answer the question of why we, particularly if working in corporate roles, should care about IT security, by presenting examples of how insecure systems can be open to exploitation. The aim is to instil readers with a sense of security awareness and foster a more security-conscious IT culture. The text does not focus upon the technological solutions required – it instead concentrates upon the variety of possible vulnerabilities and the likely consequences.