Book details of 'Spies Among Us : How to Stop the Spies, Terrorists, Hackers, and Criminals You Don't Even Know You Encounter Every Day '

Title	Spies Among Us : How to Stop the Spies, Terrorists, Hackers, and Criminals You Don't Even Know You Encounter Every Day
Author(s)	Ira Winkler
ISBN	0764584685
Language	English
Published	March 2005
Publisher	Wiley

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The Virtual Bookcase Reviews of 'Spies Among Us : How to Stop the Spies, Terrorists, Hackers, and Criminals You Don't Even Know You Encounter Every Day ':

Reviewer Rob Slade wrote:
In the introduction, Winkler admits that the title is slightly misleading: most surveillance is not done by international spies, but by common or garden thieves, competitors, and so forth. The point that he is trying to make is that non-terrorists can hurt you, although he raises the issue with illustrations that are not completely clear. Part one deals with espionage concepts. Chapter one reviews spying terminology, but makes points about the process by explaining the jargon and distinctions. Risk analysis is introduced in chapter two, but the calculations used may not be clear to all readers. An attempt to assess the value of information is made in chapter three. Chapter four outlines threats (entities that might harm you) and five covers vulnerabilities--the way your own operations can make you subject to attack. Part two describes some case studies of spying. The content is interesting, although the value is rather concentrated in the short "vulnerabilities exploited" section at the end of each chapter. I must say that I've read all manner of similar stories and case studies in various security books, and Winkler's are more interesting than most. Part three deals with protection. Chapter twelve lists a number of countermeasures. These are described in a level of detail that is appropriate for non-specialists (in security), although the content related to technical safety might be a bit thin. How to plan and implement an overall security program is outlined in chapter thirteen, which includes a very interesting section on how the Department of Homeland Security has taught us valuable lessons about how *not* to execute safeguards. While not structured in a formal manner that would make for easier reference, this book nonetheless has some excellent content. Like Schneier's "Beyond Fear" (see reviews), it is easy enough, and engaging enough, for those outside of the security profession to read. Busy managers may find the work a bit wordy and disorganized, but it makes useful points, and has constructive suggestions. Home users and amateurs will find the style most suited to them, although the recommended controls are aimed at businesses. Security professionals will not (or should not) find anything new here, but may appreciate the "war stories" and explanations that can be employed in security awareness training. copyright Robert M. Slade, 2005
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Book description:

Ira Winkler has been dubbed "A Modern Day James Bond" by CNN and other media outlets for his ability to simulate espionage attacks against many of the top companies in the world, showing how billions of dollars can disappear. This unique book is packed with the riveting, true stories and case studies of how he did it-and how people and companies can avoid falling victim to the spies among us. American corporations now lose as much as $300 billion a year to hacking, cracking, physical security breaches, and other criminal activity. Millions of people a year have their identities stolen or fall victim to other scams. In Spies Among Us, Ira Winkler reveals his security secrets, disclosing how companies and individuals can protect themselves from even the most diabolical criminals. He goes into the mindset of everyone from small-time hackers to foreign intelligence agencies to disclose cost-effective countermeasures for all types of attacks. In Spies Among Us, readers learn: * Why James Bond and Sydney Bristow are terrible spies * How a team was able to infiltrate an airport in a post-9/11 world and plant a bomb * How Ira and his team were able to steal nuclear reactor designs in three hours * The real risks that individuals face from the spies that they unknowingly meet on a daily basis * Recommendations for how companies and individuals can secure themselves against the spies, criminals, and terrorists who regularly cross their pathDownload DescriptionIra Winkler has been dubbed "A Modern Day James Bond" by CNN and other media outlets for his ability to simulate espionage attacks against many of the top companies in the world, showing how billions of dollars can disappear. This unique book is packed with the riveting, true stories and case studies of how he did it-and how people and companies can avoid falling victim to the spies among us. American corporations now lose as much as $300 billion a year to hacking, cracking, physical security breaches, and other criminal activity. Millions of people a year have their identities stolen or fall victim to other scams. In Spies Among Us, Ira Winkler reveals his security secrets, disclosing how companies and individuals can protect themselves from even the most diabolical criminals. He goes into the mindset of everyone from small-time hackers to foreign intelligence agencies to disclose cost-effective countermeasures for all types of attacks.