To the uninitiated, the title may seem like an oxymoron: after all, aren't hacks what network security is supposed to prevent? But if you're network administrator, this book's title not only makes sense; it makes a lot of sense. You know that a busy administrator needs a hatful of devilishly effective security hacks to keep your 12-hour days from becoming all-nighters. Network Security Hacks is not a long-winded treatise on security theory. Instead, this information packed little book provides 100 quick, practical, and clever things to do to help make your Linux, UNIX, or Windows networks more secure today. This compendium of security hacks doesn't just cover securing TCP/IP-based services, but also provides intelligent host-based security techniques. Loaded with concise but powerful examples of applied encryption, intrusion detection, logging, trending, and incident response, Network Security Hacks will demonstrate effective methods for defending your servers and networks from a variety of devious and subtle attacks. Network Security Hacks show how to detect the presence (and track every keystroke) of network intruders, methods for protecting your network and data using strong encryption, and even techniques for laying traps for would-be system crackers. Important security tools are presented, as well as clever methods for using them to reveal real, timely, useful information about what is happening on your network. O'Reilly's Hacks Series reclaims the term "hacking" for the good guys--innovators who use their ingenuity to solve interesting problems, explore and experiment, unearth shortcuts, and create useful tools. Network Security Hacks lives up to reputation the Hacks series has earned by providing the "roll-up-your sleeves and get-it-done" hacks that most network security tomes don't offer. Every hack can be read in just a few minutes but will save hours of searching for the right answer. Using just one of these amazing hacks will make this slim book's price seem like a remarkable deal. The other 99 make Network Security Hacks absolutely invaluable.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 21 Ratings

For Sys Admins - 2009-02-03
Reviewer Rating:
Network Security Hacks by Andrew Lockhart was a very fun and interesting read. While I do not recommend it for those that are just getting into the System Administration and Networking field, I do believe this book should not only sit on the shelves of System Administrators, but should be used frequently for reference. The book promises 100 industrial strength tips and tools, and it delivers that and more. The book is basically a learn-by-example book, which works best for me when studying this field. The examples are very well-written, and provide many example text outputs and screenshots. The book is divided into UNIX, Windows, and network security.

The first chapter covers UNIX security, which I already had a good background in, and taught me some lower-level kernel and file system security. The second chapter covers Windows security: The basics of encrypting folders, restricting users and checking for patches, and monitoring log files. In my opinion, this chapter was the weakest in the entire book. If you are looking for more in-depth Windows security, I suggest looking elsewhere. The rest of the book covers network security and its related components. This section is where the book really shines, covering everything from intrusion detection to logging and monitoring.

My favorite feature of this book is that it will present you with a potential security problem and then a possible solution, but then the book will ask: what if a hacker did this or that? Asking questions in this manner gives you the proper mindset you need to start securing your systems.

Nice collection of hacks, though not a lot unique - 2008-08-18
Reviewer Rating:
This is a nice, useful collection of 125 hacks to help secure your network and systems. If you've read a couple dozen or more other security books and spend a lot of time reading security-related websites, there isn't much in this book that you haven't already seen elsewhere. It is nice to have it all in one book though. This is well written and has proven to be a worthwhile reference on my book shelf on several occasions.

I don't feel this book is suitable for absolute beginners to information security. For those without much infosec background, seek an introductory security book prior to diving into this one.

The Windows coverage is very light. If you run a Windows-only network, this book doesn't offer a lot for you, but still may be a worthwhile purchase. For those running a mixed network or primarily BSD and Linux systems, it offers much more value.

I didn't receive it - 2008-06-22
Reviewer Rating:
Hi, I didn't receive my order. It's my second order I have problem with it.

More, i receive mail to review my order but it don't apper in my recent order.

Thanks to correct situation,

Great reference guide - 2008-02-12
Reviewer Rating:
This is a great book and a great series. Tons of great tips and quickly becomes and awesome reference guide.

good book - 2008-01-24
Reviewer Rating:
A very good organization, I recommend those for whom security is important, but who don't want complications.

Browse Similar Topics

Top Level Categories:
Networking
Security

Sub-Categories:
Networking > Linux
Networking > Security
Networking > TCP/IP
Networking > UNIX
Networking > Windows
Security > Networking