1 comments about The Truth About Avoiding Scams (Truth About).

1. We live in a time where crooks have many new tools to trick you into giving them your money or deceive you into providing them the tools they need to steal from you. This very handy book provides helpful, clear, and concise information about 61 scams you are likely to face just because you live in the modern world.
   
   Steve Weisman divides these 61 chapters into 12 parts. He discusses Identity Theft, Computer Scams, Classic Scams such as the Ponzi Scheme - Chain Letters - and their modern counterparts such as the Nigerian Scam, scams that involve your health and insurance, telephone scams, tax scams, what the truth about government assistance is, the wide range of credit card scams, employment scams, scams involving your home, investment scams, and what you can do to keep your personal information, computer, and bank accounts secure.
   
   If you are looking for an in-depth analysis of any particular scam or their history, this isn't really the book you are looking for. However, if you want a practical guide to what these dozens and dozens of scams are and how they are worked against you, this is just the ticket.
   
   Very good.
   
   Reviewed by Craig Matteson, Ann Arbor, MI

4 comments about Scams & Swindles: Phishing, Spoofing, ID Theft, Nigerian Advance Schemes Investment Frauds: How to Recognize And Avoid Rip-Offs In The Internet Age.

1. There is a well-known wise saying, Caveat Emptor, which is the Latin for Buyer Beware. In other words, when purchasing goods or services it is essential that the buyer take all precautions in examining the item or services they are purchasing.
   
   The editors of the Silver Lake Publishers have produced an excellent and pragmatic book, Scams & Swindles: How to Recognize and Avoid Internet Era Rip-Offs that focuses on many of the common con tricks and scams that deceive individuals and consumers, particularly if we are involved in some way or another with the Internet-be it email or otherwise.
   It is noteworthy to mention that although some of these scams seem to be relatively new, their modus operandi dates back hundreds of years in that they are based on the con artist's imagination and the victim's gullibility.
   
   The book takes a very realistic look at Internet scams and lays bare important details pertaining to such frauds as eBay auctions, the Nigerian emails emanating from some fake high government official requesting the use of your bank account to transfer funds, scams that involve investment, business and banking, fake charities, sweetheart and Russian bride swindles, drugs and pharmaceuticals rip-offs.
   The authors also include weighty specifics as to how Internet hackers operate and commit their crimes, as well as something that is becoming more common today- phishing. This basically is when you receive emails from a financial institution that cleverly resembles one you are presently dealing with and you are requested to provide some very personal information. A further variation of the same theme is that it may originate from a site that appears to be Ebay requesting your pin number and some other important data. Internet criminals have become even more sophisticated in their implementation of phishing, wherein an email, instant message or other Internet communication is sent to you in someone else's name. As the authors point out, it really boils down to a form of identity theft.
   
   Other topics examined and that we are often subjected to in our daily use of the Internet are the nasty and very often annoying practices of spam and spyware. Spam today is not only restricted to pornography, it also involves get-rich-quick schemes or a miracle drugs. In fact, as the authors point out, a study by a British computer security firm, Clearswift Ltd, discovered in 2004 that finance spams topped the list of the most popular with 39%, whereas pornography was at the bottom of the list, 4.8%.
   
   The authors have obviously done their research and they have completed an impressive job in putting together all of the information in a clear, upbeat and conversation style that present readers with valuable insights into the world of Internet crime.
   
   The message is unmistakable, think twice before clicking something within the body of an email or giving out information to anyone and always bear in mind caveat emptor. Moreover, the authors' elaborate suggestions that appear throughout the book as to how to prevent problems should not go unheeded.
   
   Norm Goldman, Editor Bookpleasures



2. The book is a hallmark of our current Internet experiences. The editors go through the various scams circulating on the Web. Like the Nigerian 419. Or the Russian/East European mail order brides. Or the fake prescription drugs. An amazing compendium of the darknet. Some readers may be scared off the net. But more likely, you will gain some protection simply by being aware of the book's advice.
   
   One chapter is devoted to phishing. Where an email purports to be from a bank, and breathlessly urges you to log in to your account, to ascertain some important detail. Or the email might say it is from eBay or Paypal, with similar urgencies. The chapter is instructive for many readers. But please note that the editors do not offer anything in the way of a technical antiphishing solution. Their methods involve manual effort on your part. Alas, there will always be gullible or inexperienced users to fall prey to phishers.



3. Scams & Swindles: How To Recognize And Avoid Internet Era Rip-Offs is a basic primer packed with insights any Internet user should be aware of. From Nigerian schemes and money laundering to phishing, id theft and investment frauds, Scams & Swindles covers method, purpose, and how to avoid becoming a victim. Mortgage fraud, spam and spyware receive insights too all with an eye to Internet dangers.



4. This small sized book identifies and explains the identity theft spectrum and how it occurs. It tells how we are taken in by con men and women and how to prevent it. In some cases, we are even shown how to bring to justice these heartless criminals.

5 comments about Cold Eyes.

1. I enjoyed this book so much. It's a cyber suspense and one would think its a book for men readers. Nope! Actually, I supposed its the fact that it's written by a female author made this story so great. In the middle of all the cyber and high-tech stuff, there is a beautiful woman that I can follow. Joanne is a woman of our generation. I can totally relate to her. The characters in Cold Eyes seem so real. The places are real. I was virtually swept into the world of techies. The plot is also complicated but found myself enjoying every page. Read it to see for yourself.



2. I am by no means a professional writer, I just love to read. I got "Cold Eyes" a while ago and was finally able to read it. I read the book in one sitting because I simply could not put it down. Romina Wilcox has a way of taking you on a journey. It starts off slow and easy then goes all twisty-turney on you. The plot twists were wicked and fun and I enjoyed the novel very much. I found myself saying this person did it then something happened and my mind was changed. That happened a lot in this novel. I would recommend this novel to anyone wanting a good read. Keep up the great work Romina and I'd read anything you would write.



3. I was absorbed by this thriller. Working in a corporate industry, I can relate to the characters, the events, the corporate environment and places. Not only that it will keep you guessing, it is informative, entertaining, and it has a moral value. In the end you're sorry to say goodbye to the characters. Romina Wilcox is as good as today's suspense writers. I hope she is busy writing the next one.



4. This book provided me with hours of enjoyment. Great character development and plot. I enjoyed it through the last page. I'm looking forward to Ms. Wilcox's next book.



5. From the very first chapter Romina will have you guessing what's around the next corner. Lots of action, lots of technology, what more could you ask for. Oh a plot, its a good one.

1 comments about Zen and the Art of Information Security.

1. The book is written for naive computer users with limited prior knowledge of information security. Readers familiar with Ira's previous books (Corporate Espionage and Spies Among Us: How to Stop the Spies, Terrorists, Hackers, and Criminals You Don't Even Know You Encounter Every Day) will probably recognize the style and examples. Ira avoids technical descriptions of information security risks and controls, thereby avoiding the technical jargon common in other infosec books. On the whole, he sticks to non-technical attack methods (such as social engineering) and defenses, with barely a mention of network hacking and malware. The subject matter is essentially the same as Ira's previous books so it could be said that this is another re-hash of those - however, Ira has made a conscious decision to write a more succinct and high-level book to make the topic more accessible to the layman who is less likely to have read the previous books. Given the stated intent to write a short book on such a complex technical subject, the writing is necessarily quite superficial in places, frequently glossing over the realities.
   
   Two threads throughout the book are (1) it is necessary to understand security risks and (2) simple security controls are good enough to stop most threats. The Zen in the title appears to refer to martial arts rather than Eastern philosophies, and is used in the context of explaining that there is no need to be a `black belt' information security expert to be effective. There is some merit in the argument, in the same way that basic first aid techniques can help save lives. Personally, however, I wouldn't take the argument so far as to suggest that there is no need for trained professional medics.
   
   A few technical inaccuracies caught my eye, some of which I could put down to the book's rather superficial coverage but others appear to be genuine misunderstandings by the author. In several places, the author makes disparaging remarks about script kiddies, fair enough, but he is also dismissive of skilled hackers. I find this attitude troubling since hackers can be worthy adversaries of even the best and most resourceful information security managers. There are far too many incidents to dismiss all hackers out of hand, therefore it would be foolhardy to discount hacking risks.
   
   If you have no background in information security, this book makes an interesting introduction to the issues but falls short on useful advice. If you have read the author's previous books, you are unlikely to learn anything new.

5 comments about Scene of the Cybercrime: Computer Forensics Handbook.

1. Hi,
   This book covers all aspects of information security but the title of the book is kind of misleading as the book only has 2 chapters that talk about anything close to Forensics.
   Would recommend this book to someone who is new to Information security . This ones certainly not a Forensics book .



2. I'm currently in the middle of the book Scene Of The Cybercrime by Debra Littlejohn Shinder, but I decided to do a review right now. This is a really good book on a number of levels...

   Most books on computer and network security are written for the techie trying to secure their assets from outside attack. Obviously, there's a huge need for that information. But it seems that there is virtually nothing written from the law enforcement perspective on computer security. That's a major problem in two ways... For one, there are too few law enforcement personnel that understand exactly what cybercrime is and how it can be detected, fought, and prosecuted. That's probably the audience that would benefit most from this book. Second, most technical personnel don't know what to do in order to successfully build a case and prosecute an attacker once an intrusion has occurred. That's the other audience that will gain the most from reading Shinder's work.

   The book includes the following chapters: Facing the Cybercrime Problem Head On; Reviewing the History of Cybercrime; Understanding the People on the Scene; Understanding Computer Basics; Understanding Network Basics; Understanding Network Intrusions and Attacks; Understanding Cybercrime Prevention; Implementing System Security; Implementing Cybercrime Detection Techniques; Collecting and Preserving Digital Evidence; Building the Cybercrime Case

   The hardcore network security administrator will probably already know most of the information in the "Understanding..." chapters. But unless they are adept or experienced in forensic analysis, the last three chapters will be crucial information for them. Without the knowledge of how to preserve evidence, there's a good chance that you'll never have the satisfaction of seeing your attacker prosecuted. Higher level managers of a corporate security department will find all of this information useful, as they may not be as hands-on as the administrators and may not understand what threats and risks are present in today's environment.

   From the law enforcement perspective, it's all good. Fighting cybercrime is so different than regular law enforcement. This is the perfect volume to give the budding cybercop all the information they need to get up to speed with how crime is conducted electronically. I would recommend that this book be required reading for law enforcement and prosecution personnel.

   The book is well written with plenty of real-life examples of criminal activities and legal scenarios. It's one of the most engrossing technical reads I've had in awhile. A definite recommended read...




3. This is a tough book to review as it tries to speak to two very different audiences -- corporate information security and law enforcement professionals.
   The corporate information security professionals will find the technical details misleading and over simplified but will definitely benefit from the detailed discussions of proper process and procedure.
   The author leverages her experience as a police officer and academy instructor to good effect in educating us on the viewpoint of the law enforcement community and the requirements we must meet in collecting and preserving admissible evidence.
   My advice would be to VERY lightly skim the "technical" material on vulnerabilities, exploits and defenses while reserving detailed reading for the material dealing with process and procedures as well as the logistics for involving and interacting with law enforcement.



4. Overall, a very good book.
   
   At times, tries to be too much to too many.
   
   But good info.



5. Littlejohn Shinder writes a fairly topical analyses of various facets of cybercrime -including several- what can only be described as Computers 101 sections but if you're a typical n00b then it will all seem like a glorious epiphany. In Ch 4 she gets a little on the didactic side where she attempts to debunk the various stereotypes and cliched mindsets associated with the hacking community but she falls far short of any real insight.
   
   Don't bother reading this book if you have even a modicum of tech savvy - the writer won't be telling you anything that you don't already know or figured out for yourself hands on. BTW, most of the URLS provided as reference in this book are 404, which is only to be expected given its 2002 publication date, however I include the comment here in this review because if you're like me, then you like to check out the resources the writer used.
   
   Lastly, by no stretch of the imagination should this title be considered a computer forensics book. The only audience that will consider said title as such are executive officers and marketing types who don't have a clue.

5 comments about Virtual Vandals (Tom Clancy's Net Force; Young Adults, No. 1).

1. Virtual Vandals is a great book! This book is a great thrill ride that will keep you an the edge of your seat. Virtural Vandals has plenty of mystery that will keep you guessing with its twists and turns. Your main character through this ride is Matt Hunter. He lives in a world where our present day computers are obsolete. Your computer can send you zipping through cyber space with a single voice command. The book starts off with our main character Matt and his friends watching a virtual baseball game when some people in the croud start ripping rounds and spraying everything with bullets. After this incident Matt sets of in search for the virtual vandals that had hurt his friend Leif.If you enjoyed my review I would strongly recomend this book.



2. The year is 2025, and computers rule the world. Which is why the Net Force was formed. To protect the United States of America from all online criminal activity. But there is also a group of teenage computer geniuses who sometimes know more than adults, who are known as the Net Force Explorers.

   While watching a holographic "old-timers" baseball game, Net Force Explorer Matt Hunter, and several of his Net Force Explorer friends are filled with excitement at seeing the legendary Babe Ruth come up to bat, but while doing his well-known routine of pointing to the stands, a group of four people dressed in outfits from the 30's, stand up and open fire on the entire stadium with Tommy guns. Everyone knows that virtual bullets can kill you, and Matt and his Net Force Explorer friends know that this group of vandals must be stopped. But the stadium shoot-out is just the beginning. Now Matt and his friends are worried that perhaps even the legenday Net Force Explorers will be unable to stop them next time.

   I found that the first installment of TOM CLANCY'S NET FORCE was both intriguing and interesting. The fact that VITUAL VANDALS takes place in the year 2025 will gain fans from the futuristic and science fiction fans, and all of the talk about the Internet and computers will intrigue the so-called computer geniuses of the world. The characters are intelligent, and computer-savvy, who embark on numerous adventures throughout the novel, and will have the reader rooting for them from the very first page until the very last page. A must-have.

   Erika Sorocco




3. Matt Hunter, an enthusiastic Net Force Explorer, and his friends are sitting in the stadium of Camden Yards watching a holographic baseball game. There are only a few people who are physically present at Camden Yards, because most spectators have bought a virtual seat and are watching the game from their home, while at the same time being represented as holographic images at the stadium. Suddenly four virtual viewers stand up from their seats and start firing at the audience with machine guns. One of Matt's friends is hit by a holographic bullet and struggles for his life. Matt starts to wonder how it is possible that people can get hurt by virtual bullets. With the help of the Net Force Explorer team he starts his investigations and soon reveals something that is much bigger than what that vandal's prank might seem at first sight.
   
   Virtual Vandals is a decent and well-written science-fiction story that will definitely serve as an enjoyable read for many youngsters. The main theme is virtual reality, but as opposed to another Net Force book titled The Deadliest Game, this time the storyline is not entirely submerged into a virtual world. Typically of a virtual world is that everything can happen and nothing needs to be explainable. The authors have not stepped into this trap and have kept the suspense into the 'real' world, which is in my opinion the better choice. The story contains a few twists that might not all be as convincing, but they keep up the pace so that Virtual Vandals can be called a real page-turner.



4. Tom Clancy's book, Virtual Vandals, is one of the best. Matt Hunter is a young Net Force Explorer. When he and his friends, some in holo form, attend a virtual baseball game in Carmen Yards in the year 2025, they find themselves under fire! A group of 1930's gangster style holo's has appeared and are shooting at the holo's with virtual Tommy guns! This book is amazing. I found myself staying up late into the early hours of the mourning just to read Tom Clancy's Virtual Vandals. I really couldn't put it down! This book is a must read.



5. Tom Clancy's Virtual Vandals is a great book in an exciting series with lots of action in this future based military story. This book is about Matt Hunter, the main character, with his friends David Grey and Leif Anderson which are teenaged kids who can figure out computers better than their adult counterparts. Matt Hunter and his friends go to a baseball game when the vandals come and light the stadium up with their virtual proxy's Tommy guns. It takes Matt many clues to figure out all their identities when he uncovers the mastermind behind it all.
   This book's got it all action, drama, suspense and pieces of comedy here and there. The Theme is Don't give up to me because the characters keep going even after they think it's hopeless. This book should be read from ages 10 and up.
   Read it for yourself it's a great book that you are going to love.

No comments about Better Policing With Microsoft Office: CRIME ANALYSIS, INVESTIGATIONS, AND.

5 comments about The Watchman: The Twisted Life and Crimes of Serial Hacker Kevin Poulsen.

1. I had no idea who Kevin Poulson was when I picked up this book. All I knew was that I wanted to read a book which dealt with computer hackers and this book had been recommended to me by a friend of mine. Suffice to say I was not disappointed.

   Littman writes a compelling story about Kevin Poulson, who is perhaps the second best known hacker in North America best Kevin Mitnick. And what makes this book such an interesting read is that it is a modern day, and real life, version of the Fugitive. But unlike the Fugitive, Kevin is hunted to tapping in to phone systems and learning much more about the telephone networks than the average, non-telco employee, should be allowed to.

   The book is filled with first hand accounts and funny anecdotes of the escapades that Kevin and some of his company managed to pull off. After reading the book, I was left scratching my head in disbelief. It was almost as if the feats Kevin was able to accomplish were too good to be true. But in the end, that's what makes this book so great.




2. If you like true crime stories, this one is for you. I wont try and debate the truth of the book, (it's a controversial subject)because I dont know the truth. But I know this is a good story, even if there are a few fabrications here and there.
   
   I am a computer geek at heart, so I especially loved this book. But even my non-technical girlfriend loved it, it's a great story.
   
   The storytelling in this book is magnificent, you really get a feel for his personality right off the bat, and the story is filled with excitement and suspense, and pardon the cliche, is impossible to put down. The first time I picked up the book, I sat and read it to the end, despite my best efforts to walk away from it.
   
   The imagery is great, and you start to feel a closeness and sympathy for Kevin, and you forget at the time he was a criminal. You hope he doesn't get caught, and cringe when he does. You watch him do well, and slip, like an addict who can't take control, and you start to feel an understanding of what it was like for him.
   
   Overall, I would say from a technical standpoint, it's a great read. From a true crime perspective, great read as well. Good all around book that's entertaining from start to finish.



3. Jonathan Littman's The Watchman is well written and engaged me enough to read it in one sitting. I wanted for some time to learn more about Kevin Poulsen having heard about some of the exploits attributed to him. This story accomplishes that in a compelling way and manages to be pertinent years later. This is required reading for anyone wishing to know the darker side of the hacker sub-culture, about Kevin Poulsen, Ron Austin or Justin Petersen and some of their creative mischief and crimes.



4. I had Kevin for dinner on 1 July 1999. It seems he was about to marry my wife's first cousin, who--at the time--was an attorney for the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Neither was I impressed by Kevin's putative depth of knowledge, nor did he indicate that this book bore the least relationship to his exploits. I was just disappointed all around. I believe my wife made her Polynesian meatballs.



5. Computer security is not only part of my job, but a bit of a hobby of mine, so I love reading books like this. This book was fun to read and I read it in pretty much one night. This is a rare feat for me... I barely ever read books in one night, much less a few nights. So that should tell you how much fun the book was to read.
   
   The reason for 4 stars instead of 5? 1) It only comes in a hard cover instead of a paper back? At least, I couldn't find a paper back anywhere! 2) It's obvious (and Poulsen has commented on this) that the author has made up some things that Kevin said or did. However, this is obviously to keep the book interesting and make for a better read... So, don't take everything that the author says to heart, but the underlying story is still pretty much what happened from what I understand and have found to be true, anyway.
   
   Great read, thrilling, exciting and fun. If you like stories about computers, security and hackers.

5 comments about Exposed: The Harrowing Story of a Mother's Undercover Work with the FBI to Save Children from Internet Sex Predators.

1. The book exposes the real world we live in and the dangers it poses. The author does an excellent job of telling the stories and not getting into too much detail. We need more people willing to risk their own personal life to help others.



2. I have read this book, and found it very interesting! Repetitive it was NOT. There are ALOT of sick pediphiles out there, and this lets them know we have their number! This woman works at getting them off the internet, and it doesn't take over night, it's alot of making sure she has who she thinks she has. I think R. Stephanie Good is a "PLUS" to life, if only more people were more like her this world would be a better place.



3. Hey Folks,
   Mrs.Good takes you through her experiences with the sexual predators that she enounters in her great work as a civilian UC helping the FBI put these folks where they belong...in a cage away from our kids! This book discusses the many facets of this section of law enforcement and even brings you into a trial and shows you the sleazy attempt by a defense lawyer to get the predator from having to do the time for his, or her, crime. This is a great book to companinion "To catch a Predator" by Chris Hasen. These two books are must reads for anyone interested in this subject. God Bless you all, Doneaux.



4. This book was very informative and eye opening. I recommend it for anyone with a teenager that wants to know what to look for on the internet.



5. This book is a must read for parents and for anyone working in local, state or federal law enforcement. It offers a clear understanding of how many sick people are out there and how our children are so vulnerable and easily exposed to these internet predators. The work of Good together with the FBI is extraordinary. Their efforts will not take all predators off the street, but with each one they send to jail, several of our children are saved from their lives and innocense being destroyed.

1 comments about Investigations in the Workplace.

1. While this book is currently used as a text book at over 20 universities and colleges, it is more than a text book. It is a must read for anyone tasked with conducting or managing workplace investigations. I have yet to read a more informative or useful book on this subject. As an investigator and part-time fiction writer, I use my copy all the time.