Much better books available
I started using this book to study for the CompTIA Security exam, and it seemed to cover the topics necessary to pass. However, most parts only gloss over the details, and there are some rather poor examples that complicate rather than help explain some topics. If you can memorize the book, this might help someone pass. But if you need to know the why and how of security, get a book that has hard examples and more details than this one.
Fact and fiction
I used this book to study for the Security+ exam, and passed. But consider that I have twenty years of computer experience, not a big surprise either. Though the book covers the majority of the exam material, it has some wildly inaccurate and misleading statements that should have been caught by one of the two authors, and certainly noticed by any technical reviewer. I found the actual exam also strayed from the stated fundamentals.
Technical errors abound
I'm only halfway through the book, and it appears well-written; it's interesting enough to read and has few typographical errors. The problem is that there is an abundance of not only technical laziness, but also outright technical inaccuracies and errors throughout the text.
I am trying not to be too harsh; I am a CCNA, and probably have a deeper understanding of networking than is necessary for this test. I'm trying to branch out my skillset and credentials, and figured a low-level security certification would be a good way to start.
If the level of technical detail required for the test is adequately represented in this book, then the test should be a breeze. General security concepts seem to be covered a bit better than the underlying networking and system-specific material. That's great, as security is obviously the thrust of the book. However, this does not excuse the authors or any technical reviewers from the numerous errors and gross oversimplifications present. DO NOT rely on this book for accurate technical information. Period.
Time Well Spent!
Excellent book for preparing for the exam. Accompanied by CD with relevant questions. If you can pass the 6 part test included, you
will..I think...pass the exam! Give yourself enough time to study
each section, then the tests and final reviews on the CD. There's
much to read so, settle in and get to it!
Security+
Out of four study books I used, this one covers more than any other, but it still is not complete and sometimes up do date.
