Network Security : A Practical Approach

Network Security: A Practical Approach by Jan L. Harrington is a comprehensive guide for anyone responsible for network security. The book’s strength lies in its dual perspective: it teaches you to think like a hacker to identify vulnerabilities while also providing practical, hands-on advice for network administrators and managers.
The book is structured to provide both technical and administrative guidance, covering topics like:
• Hacker Techniques: It details how hackers gather information and exploit security flaws, including spoofing, malware, and Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks.
• Security Measures: The book offers practical advice on implementing security tools like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, encryption, and anti-virus software.
• Administrative Considerations: It goes beyond the technical aspects to cover higher-level topics, such as developing security policies, managing users and passwords, and ensuring physical security for your network systems.
Published in 2005, the book emphasizes the importance of making informed decisions about security rather than just relying on off-the-shelf products. It also includes “Hands On” sections for practical application and appendices with useful information on TCP/IP and well-known ports.