Tangled Web: Tales of Digital Crime from the Shadows of Cyberspace - Hardcover

Power, Richard

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 078972443X ISBN 13: 9780789724434

Publisher: Que Corporation, 2000

Synopsis

Comprehensive dissertation on Crimes in Cyberspace; Crimes, war and terror; Hackers , crackers and virus writers; spys and saboteurs, Muggers and molesters; and Defending cyberspace

About this title

Review

Part true crime, part call to arms, Tangled Web: Tales of Digital Crime from the Shadows of Cyberspace looks over the firewall from both sides to examine the brave new crooks and their pursuers. Author Richard Power, editorial director of San Francisco's Computer Security Institute, is simultaneously engaging and shaky--a rare and lovely combination. Between interviews with hackers and security experts, Power plies the reader with numbers that suggest that the world's networks are swarming with money-sucking leeches, most of which are never even noticed, and certainly not caught. If his voice never quite becomes hysterical, it's to preserve his credibility; after all, Power's Institute needs a strong public awareness of cybercrime in order to stay in business.

This is not to say that Tangled Web is inaccurate or strongly biased. The author gives credit, where it is due, to law enforcement agencies and security consultants who have made some genuine progress in preventing crime and apprehending criminals. Fortunately, it's tough, as of yet, to commit violent crimes over a network, but the reader still will find reason to think twice before glossing over security procedures, even at home. Power provides example countermeasures for all desired levels of connection, value, and privacy; and, while some are out of reach of individuals and smaller businesses, others cost only a little time or convenience. As with health insurance, it's better to take care of it beforehand, and Tangled Web should inspire even the most confident reader to action. --Rob Lightner

From the Author

This book includes fascinating details of real-world investigations (some of them previously undisclosed) as well as practical insights from some of the most sophisticated minds in the field. E-business security and information protection are complex and multidimensional challenges. The solution is not as simple as using strong encryption, installing a good firewall, writing a password control policy, or even checking off every good idea on a long list. Many human issues are involved. This book articulates them. There are also many misconceptions about cybercrime and cybercrimnals. This book dispells them.

Tangled Web: Tales of Digital Crime from the Shadows of Cyberspace explores "the Digital Shadow," highlighting the negative side of the Internet revolution, calling urgently needed attention to the challenges of making cyberspace into a free, safe and reliable global commons. If you want to continue to reap the profits of the Internet economy and sustain its growth and opportunity beyond the initial gold rush, you have to come to grips with the Digital Shadow. If you don't, your fortunes will be scattered in the wind just like the gold dust at the climax of the Hollywood classic, Treasure of Sierra Madre.

About this edition

• Publisher: Que Corporation
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 078972443X
• ISBN 13: 9780789724434
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 431