Foundations Of Computer Security

Anyone with a computer has heard of viruses, had to deal with several, and has been struggling with spam, spyware, and disk crashes. This book is intended as a starting point for those familiar with basic concepts of computers and computations and who would like to extend their knowledge into the realm of computer and network security. Its comprehensive treatment of all the major areas of computer security aims to give readers a complete foundation in the field of Computer Security. Exercises are given throughout the book and are intended to strengthening the reader’s knowledge - answers are also provided. Written in a clear, easy to understand style, aimed towards advanced undergraduates and non-experts who want to know about the security problems confronting them everyday. The technical level of the book is low and requires no mathematics, and only a basic concept of computers and computations. Foundations of Computer Security will be an invaluable tool for students and professionals alike.

This reference work looks at modern concepts of computer security. It introduces the basic mathematical background necessary to follow computer security concepts before moving on to modern developments in cryptography. The concepts are presented clearly and illustrated by numerous examples. Subjects covered include: private-key and public-key encryption, hashing, digital signatures, authentication, secret sharing, group-oriented cryptography, and many others. The section on intrusion detection and access control provide examples of security systems implemented as a part of operating system. Database and network security is also discussed. The final chapters introduce modern e- business systems based on digital cash.

Tutorial in style, this volume provides a comprehensive survey of the state-of-the-art of the entire field of computer security. It first covers the threats to computer systems; then discusses all the models, techniques, and mechanisms designed to thwart those threats as well as known methods of exploiting vulnerabilities.

Software developers need to worry about security as never before. They need clear guidance on safe coding practices, and that’s exactly what this book delivers. The book does not delve deep into theory, or rant about the politics of security. Instead, it clearly and simply lays out the most common threats that programmers need to defend against. It then shows programmers how to make their defense. The book takes a broad focus, ranging over SQL injection, worms and buffer overflows, password security, and more. It sets programmers on the path towards successfully defending against the entire gamut of security threats that they might face.

The world of IT is always evolving, but in every area there are stable, core concepts that anyone just setting out needed to know last year, needs to know this year, and will still need to know next year. The purpose of the Foundations series is to identify these concepts and present them in a way that gives you the strongest possible starting point, no matter what your endeavor. Network Security Foundations provides essential knowledge about the principles and techniques used to protect computers and networks from hackers, viruses, and other threats. What you learn here will benefit you in the short term, as you acquire and practice your skills, and in the long term, as you use them. Topics covered include: Why and how hackers do what they do How encryption and authentication work How firewalls work Understanding Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) Risks posed by remote access Setting up protection against viruses, worms, and spyware Securing Windows computers Securing UNIX and Linux computers Securing Web and email servers Detecting attempts by hackers

Security is a rapidly growing area of computer science, with direct and increasing relevance to real life applications such as Internet transactions, electronic commerce, information protection, network and systems integrity, etc. This volume presents thoroughly revised versions of lectures given by leading security researchers during the IFIP WG 1.7 International School on Foundations of Security Analysis and Design, FOSAD 2000, held in Bertinoro, Italy in September. Mathematical Models of Computer Security (Peter Y.A. Ryan); The Logic of Authentication Protocols (Paul Syversen and Iliano Cervesato); Access Control: Policies, Models, and Mechanisms (Pierangela Samarati and Sabrina de Capitani di Vimercati); Security Goals: Packet Trajectories and Strand Spaces (Joshua D. Guttman); Notes on Nominal Calculi for Security and Mobility (Andrew D. Gordon); Classification of Security Properties (Riccardo Focardi and Roberto Gorrieri).

As our society grows ever more reliant on computers, so it also becomes more vulnerable to computer crime. Cyber attacks have been plaguing computer users since the 1980s, and computer security experts are predicting that smart telephones and other mobile devices will also become the targets of cyber security threats in the future. Developed from the author's successful Springer guide to Foundations of Computer Security, this accessible textbook/reference is fully updated and enhanced with resources for students and tutors. Topics and features: examines the physical security of computer hardware, networks, and digital data; introduces the different forms of rogue software (or malware), discusses methods for preventing and defending against malware, and describes a selection of viruses, worms and Trojans in detail; investigates the important threats to network security, and explores the subjects of authentication, spyware, and identity theft; discusses issues of privacy and trust in the online world, including children's privacy and safety; includes appendices which discuss the definition, meaning, and history of the term hacker, introduce the language of "l33t Speak", and provide a detailed virus timeline; provides numerous exercises and examples throughout the text, in addition to a Glossary of terms used in the book; supplies additional resources at the associated website, http://www.DavidSalomon.name/, including an introduction to cryptography, and answers to the exercises. Clearly and engagingly written, this concise textbook is an ideal resource for undergraduate classes on computer security. The book is mostly non-mathematical, and is suitable for anyone familiar with the basic concepts of computers and computations.