The Art of Deception
Controlling the Human Element of Security
1. Auflage Oktober 2002
368 Seiten, Hardcover
Praktikerbuch
Kurzbeschreibung
Although corporations go to great lengths to install state of the art computer security systems, the greatest vunerability in protecting the business assets of any company often lies with the company's own employees. Written from the unique perspective of a former hacker, this crucial book advises anyone involved with information security protection and policies on "social engineering" attacks are executed and how they can be prevented.
The world's most infamous hacker offers an insider's view of the low-tech threats to high-tech security
Kevin Mitnick's exploits as a cyber-desperado and fugitive form one of the most exhaustive FBI manhunts in history and have spawned dozens of articles, books, films, and documentaries. Since his release from federal prison, in 1998, Mitnick has turned his life around and established himself as one of the most sought-after computer security experts worldwide. Now, in The Art of Deception, the world's most notorious hacker gives new meaning to the old adage, "It takes a thief to catch a thief."
Focusing on the human factors involved with information security, Mitnick explains why all the firewalls and encryption protocols in the world will never be enough to stop a savvy grifter intent on rifling a corporate database or an irate employee determined to crash a system. With the help of many fascinating true stories of successful attacks on business and government, he illustrates just how susceptible even the most locked-down information systems are to a slick con artist impersonating an IRS agent. Narrating from the points of view of both the attacker and the victims, he explains why each attack was so successful and how it could have been prevented in an engaging and highly readable style reminiscent of a true-crime novel. And, perhaps most importantly, Mitnick offers advice for preventing these types of social engineering hacks through security protocols, training programs, and manuals that address the human element of security.
Preface.
Introduction.
Part 1: Behind the Scenes.
Chapter 1: Security's Weakest Link.
Part 2: The Art of the Attacker.
Chapter 2: When Innocuous Information Isn't.
Chapter 3: The Direct Attack: Just Asking for It.
Chapter 4: Building Trust.
Chapter 5: "Let Me Help You".
Chapter 6: "Can You Help Me?".
Chapter 7: Phony Sites and Dangerous Attachments.
Chapter 8: Using Sympathy, Guilt, and Intimidation.
Chapter 9: The Reverse Sting.
Part 3: Intruder Alert.
Chapter 10: Entering the Premises.
Chapter 11: Combining Technology and Social Engineering.
Chapter 12: Attacks on the Entry-Level Employee.
Chapter 13: Clever Cons.
Chapter 14: Industrial Espionage.
Part 4: Raising the Bar.
Chapter 15: Information Security Awareness and Training.
Chapter 16: Recommended Corporate Information Security Policies.
Security at a Glance.
Sources.
Acknowledgements.
Index.
Forecast: Mitnick's notoriety and his well written, entertaining stories should generate positive word-of-mouth. With the double appeal of a true-crime memoir and a manual for computer security, this book will enjoy good sales. (Publishers Weekly, June 24, 2002)
"...an interesting read..." (www.infosecnews.com, 17 July 2002)
"...highly entertaining...will appeal to a broad audience..." (Publishing News, 26 July 2002)
The world's most famous computer hacker and cybercult hero, once the subject of a massive FBI manhunt for computer fraud, has written a blueprint for system security based on his own experiences. Mitnick, who was released from federal prison in 1998 after serving a 22-month term, explains that unauthorized intrusion into computer networks is not limited to exploiting security holes in hardware and software. He focuses instead on a common hacker technique known as social engineering in which a cybercriminal deceives an individual into providing key information rather than trying to use technology to reveal it. Mitnick illustrates the tactics comprising this "art of deception" through actual case studies, showing that even state-of-the-art security software can't protect businesses from the dangers of human error. With Mitnick's recommended security policies, readers gain the information their organizations need to detect and ward off the threat of social engineering. Required reading for IT professionals, this book is highly recommended for public, academic, and corporate libraries. [This should not be confused with Ridley Pearson's new thriller, The Art of Deception. --Ed]--Joe Accardi, William Rainey Harper Coll. Lib., Palatine, IL (Library Journal, August 2002)
He was the FBI's most-wanted hacker. But in his own eyes, Mitnick was simply a small-time con artist with an incredible memory, a knack for social engineering, and an enemy at The New York Times. That foe, John Markoff, made big bucks selling two books about Mitnick - without ever interviewing him. This is Mitnick's account, complete with advice for how to protect yourself from similar attacks. I believe his story. (WIRED Magazine, October 2002)
"Mitnick outlines dozens of social engineering scenarios in his book, dissecting the ways attackers can easily exploit what he describes as 'that natural human desire to help others and be a good team player.'" (Wired.com, October 3, 2002)
"...Mitnick remains what can best be called a colourful character... The Art of Deception is an entertaining read - and more than a little scary..."
Financial Times vom 16.12.2002
WILLIAM SIMON is a bestselling author of more than a dozen books and an award-winning film and television writer.
