No comments about Profiling Hackers: The Science of Criminal Profiling as Applied to the World of Hacking.

No comments about Goldstrike: A Thriller.

No comments about Adventures in Criminal Justice Research: Data Analysis Using SPSS 15.0 and 16.0 for Windows.

No comments about Cyber Crime Investigations: Bridging the Gaps Between Security Professionals, Law Enforcement, and Prosecutors.

3 comments about Information Warfare Principles and Operations (Artech House Computer Science Library).

1. This book presents an information warfare framework that is more aligned to national infrastructure and military systems protection than commercial enterprises. However, the framework and systematic discussion of all of the relevant elements of information warfare can be applied to any environment - commercial, government or military.

   The framework itself is sound and is the foundation of any infowar readiness posture. The book emphasizes a readiness posture that is defensive in nature, and the approach set forth addresses both strategic and tactical defense considerations.

   There are a three of interesting viewpoints provides, which is consistent with the systems engineering approach taken: (1) hierarchy of strategic components. These are presented topdown with defense and deterrence paths as follows: Policy, Strategy and Operational levels and Operational Influence Relationships. (2) A strategic process that encompasses development of strategy, threat analysis and assessment of effectiveness. (3) Operational model, comprised of perceptual, information and physical layers.

   Issues such as MEII (Minimum Essential Information Infrastructure deployment and modes of operations are cogently discussed along with associated tactical responses (surveillance, mode control, auditing/forensic analysis and reporting). The conceptual and process framework is augmented by a solid discussion of security technologies that are still in the large as accurate and valid today as when the book was written in 1998.

   What I especially like about this book, aside from the systems engineering approach and viewpoints, is the complete coverage of the full spectrum of information warfare, including more subtle issues such as data and knowledge analysis, the cursory examination of offensive operations (seeing the info war from a hostile's viewpoint), and the copious amount of detail provided for each of the topics and subjects associated with infowar.

   This book is an excellent starting point for corporate security organs that have matured to the point where infowar defensive measures can be effectively addressed. Although infowar is an element of information security, the mindset for defense requires a vastly more mature security program than normal network and system security practices because the threats may not be strictly technical in nature. This book will prepare you for the realities of infowar and give you insights about how it can be incorporated into your security posture.




2. Starts out a little dry, but it's the necessary building blocks for the rest of the book. This is a great end-to-end description of the science of IW. Good buy!



3. Good Book - a little hard to grasp if you have no experience in the field but brings together all the information.

5 comments about Spyder Web.

1. This book was one of best books I ever read. I like espionage stories but since I'm a programmer, I want technology to be a big part of the story. This had both and it's hard to find these two things combined sometimes. Great action, more or less non-stop the whole way. This was a lot of fun and intelligent to boot. Has Grace written anything else? I want more.



2. Great Characters, plot, action, location and writing. This book has all the elements of a good read. Brings together US, Britain, China and Russia. Plenty of twists from technology within the understanding of the less than technologically proficient. Good Story. Looking for the next book. Does remind me a bit of Clive Cussler.

   Hooked on books.




3. My problem with this book is the characters. Does everybody have to be a super-man or super-woman? I like characters I can Identify with, not super-powered brainiacs who could rule the world if they chose to. Its hard to identify with ex-navy SEALs who also have advanced degrees in every discipline known to man. It was like watching an episode of Baywatch where the characters were smart and good-looking.

   I appreciate that the other reviewers like the fast-paced plot, and it is well written, but the dialog sounds like a bad soap opera ("As you know, Bob, I..."). It was hard to finish. Buy it at a discount if you like these kind of thrillers, but if you want characters, look elsewhere.




4. I had to balance these folks who are giving out ***** reviews willy-nilly. The gentleman who complained about the ubermensch characters hit on the head one of the several nails in this book's coffin. Others include the very predictable plot, the insignificance of the technology (which was supposed to be the core of the whole thing), and some places where my disbelief was unwilling to suspend itself.

   I gave it the extra star from my 1 for 2 reasons: the writing was not so poor that I couldn't finish it, and the technology, while not central, at least was for the most part plausible and correct. That's always a plus, even more so since Grace avoided a heavy "gee-whiz" factor that often accompanies mainstream use of technical gimmickry.

   And I was glad I got it at a serious discount...




5. This has just been re-issued in the UK despite being a few years old now.
   
   The author uses an ex Navy SEAL as his lead, now a computer expert working in his Dad's company. But then duty calls as he is needed to use both his SEAL and computing skills to avoid the naughty Chinese getting hold of a critical computer programme. Throw into the mix the FBI, Homeland Security, ex Russian spies, MI5, International hackers and you get the idea. The style is a kind of Clancy, lots going on as you see different perspectives on the story. The main character, our ex SEAL Kilkenny, appears in chunks and does not carry the whole story, which is good as I thought him the weakest aspect of the story. He came over as too clean cut and noble and just too perfect. All men admire him, all women adore him, he does everything brilliantly, lethal yet humble etc etc.
   Otherwise this thriller works, just. A bit overly technical at times but with a fair cast of characters and a reasonable plot, this is no stunner, but it ain't bad. A three star thriller, but for me nearer the bottom end of three rather then the top, for this kind of thing to work, you really have to engage with the lead character and I didn't.

No comments about Computer Fraud Casebook: The Bytes that Bite.

3 comments about Crackdown (Prima Official Game Guide).

1. Does not help in any way, I got this for the help in finding orbs, but the only orb map is so jumbled because there are 500 orbs, you can't figure out what is where. And the pictures of each orb are horribly done, it'll show an orb on a rock next to the ocean and say "Goodluck", or on top of a building with nothing but sky in the background so there is no landmark to show where that building is. Doesn't help with any races, any Secret jumps, and if you need this guide to beat the bosses then you should trade in your 360.



2. Absolute waste of time. I tried scanning the maps so I could cross off orbs that I found but it's impossible to decifer with this guide. There's step by step instructions on how to beat the ENTIRE game (storyline) but who needs that?? I purchased this for one thing and thats ORBS. Tips are useless too and the weapon/enemy descriptions are pointless. "Beware snipers," yea great advice. Just search for Crackdown map in google and you'll get all the help you'll ever need and then some. There are entire FREE websites dedicated to what this "guide" tried to accomplish.



3. Overall an alright guide you will need it if your into acheivments on the 360 some of the hidden items are spot specific and you will need this for those insane jumps but i didn't give it five stars because the thumbnail pictures of agility and hidden orbs is pointless-TRBL STRYKER-on live everyday-see you in halo3

No comments about Jobs For Felons.

5 comments about Cyber Within: A Security Awareness Story and Guide for Employees (Cyber Crime & Fraud Prevention).

1. Cyber Within illustrates the impact of small but significant security violations that are occurring on a daily basis in various businesses and organizations. It is a realistic portrayal of how despite proactive security programs, the fallibility of human character can cost corporations millions in lost intellectual property, and damage to network systems. Cyber Within would be an outstanding addition to any Corporate Security Indoctrination for new employees.



2. This book was very interesting. I can't believe how crazy the girl Roxy was in the story. I was very much into the story and couldn't wait to read what happened next. I recommend this book for anyone wanting to learn about computer security and how employees can become victimized to hackers or insiders.



3. This book was a quick read and I believe the second half actually has value, but the first half of the book isn't believable and would be better suited for a poorly written sitcom than a serious security book. The behavior of the CTO, Security Lead, and the new employee in this book would have resulted in several terminations and possibly some criminal charges in the real world. I don't want any employee of our company reading this and assuming the behavior in this book would be acceptable under any circumstances. A better first half would have made this a possible tool for increasing awareness, but my current opinion is that this book could do more harm than good.



4. Cyber Within is a great resource for Information Security vulnerability awareness training. While most books written on Information Security are extremely large and equally boring, Cyber Within provides an entertaining storyline to draw the reader in and keep them engaged throughout the book. By the end the reader understands how an organization's information can be easy obtained due to a lack of employee security awareness. Recommend making it required reading for all employees as part of an organization's Information Security training.



5. An easy and fast read. Would be a good training aid for a company with an IT infrastructure and wishing to put out basic security concerns to new employees. The back of the book has a nice check list to stimulate thought and good behavior.