Network Security: Private Communication in a Public World: Cryptography, Protocols and Algorithms (Prentice Hall Series in Computer Networking and Distributed)

This witty, concisely-written guide to the latest advances in network security protocols provides a critical assessment of the state of network security protocols and mechanisms (what works, what doesn't, and why). It also explains the cryptographic algorithms on which most security systems depend, describes secure electronic mail standards, contrasts competing schemes, and more.

A comprehensive yet comprehensible and witty guide to the latest advances in computer network security protocols. The author team includes Charlie Kaufman, currently chief security architect for Lotus Notes, and formerly Network Security Architect at Digital Equipment Corporation; best-selling author Radia Perlman, currently with Novell, and a specialist in the areas of bridging and routing. as well as sabotage-proof networks; and Mike Speciner, Chief Architect at ColorAge, an expert in number theory and operating systems, and formerly the security expert for Camex, Inc.

Network Security:

• Examines the state of computer network security - what works, what doesn't, and why.
• Explains clearly the cryptographic algorithms on which most network data systems depend.
• Provides comprehensive descriptions of many authentication systems, including Kerberos, NetWare, Lotus notes, DASS, and KryptoKnight.
• Offers a rigorous treatment of secure electronic mail standards, including PEM, PGP, and X.400.
• Describes classic security pitfalls and how to avoid them when designing protocols.

In this books, the authors go beyond documenting standards and technology; they contrast competing schemes, explain weaknesses and strengths, and describe common mistakes people make when intending to design secure systems.

Network Security will appeal to a broad range of professionals, from those who have to design or evaluate security systems to system administrators and programmers who want a better understanding of this important field. It can also be used as a textbook at the graduate or advanced undergraduate level.