Excellent book with only two flaws: too much opinion, somewhat out-dated now
I'm using this book as a self-study reference. I've been an information security officer for a number of years and felt I needed to get a firmer grasp on the mathematics of cryptography and some areas that I've mentally glossed over.
This is an excellent book. The authors have a great sense of humor that appeals to me (a computer science type). Topics are understandable though there are certain areas that I needed to read several times before fully digesting. Their coverage of the various encryption schemes, message digests/hashes, MACs, etc are all top-notch.
This book is relatively old at this point (published in 2002). Thus, some recent things are missing: this book doesn't mention *anything* about wireless security. TLS is mentioned as "coming soon." Kerberos 5 is battling for supremacy with Kerberos 4. You get the idea.
My only other complaint: way too much ripping on IKE/ISAKMP. The workings of these protocols get lost in the authors' complaints. I've studied that chapter once (taking notes) and didn't get it. I'm about to do so a second time. Failing that, I'll need to find another source for information.
Elegant text on Cryptography
An elegant and detailed text on cryptography and network security. A good starting point for beginners and a fine reference for domain experts. The writing style is crisp and, at times, quite humorous making the book an interesting read.
A good book.
This book is great. Hope the authors will plan to include wireless network security in the 3rd edition.
Good Book!
I had to use this book when I was in Graduate school and this was the course book. I still have the first edition and looking to purchase the latest version. It was very interesting information I didnt get anywhere before. I remember in my company some very Sr. developers were working to understand how to implement machine authentication, and they were using it. Having used it before and with my course notes I helped them out. What a name for me :). I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about the network security. At least it is not as ridiculously expensive as Tanenbaum books. Yes it is very mathematical but remember this is a computer science book meant for actual software engineers. People with no computer science background but working in industry might find it difficult in the beginning.
Network Security
This is a very good book on network security. It is a bit too technical for leisure/work reading. I got this book because it is a required text for my graduate class.
(17 reviews)
