BKLNSCHB.RVW   951028
 
"LAN Security Handbook", Ellen Dutton, 1994, 1-55851-387-6, U$39.95/C$54.00
%A   Ellen Dutton
%C   115 West 18th Street, New York, NY   10011
%D   1994
%G   1-55851-387-6
%I   M&T Books
%O   U$39.95/C$54.00 212-886-9378 fax: 212-633-0748 fax: +1-801-977-9712
%P   388
%T   "LAN Security Handbook"
 
This is a broad ranging and general introduction to the topic of computer
security.  It provides a good overview for those not familiar with the myriad
aspects of security.  In a situation where data reliability and confidentiality
are not rigorous concerns, it should be quite sufficient for the manager
wanting a summary of the topic.
 
It doesn't add much to a number of other books which cover the field in a
similar way.  Kane's "PC Security and Virus Protection" (cf. BKKANE.RVW), by
the same publisher, is more practical.  The title is a bit misleading in that
few of the topics addressed are specific to LAN protection.
 
While we are assured that Dutton is a security professional, in the sense of
getting paid for such advice, the lack of detail and a number of errors call
this into question.  Both the definition and discussion of computer viruses are
contradictory and flawed.  The strength of protection provided by Word
Perfect's encryption is vastly overrated, in spite of the widespread
availability of decrypting utilities.  These areas may be specialized, but
greater importance might attach to the over-reliance on standard account and
password protection on LANs, which ignores the reality of insecure work
practices.
 
Overall, the non-specialist will find this readable.  Those wanting more
significant protection and advice will not find sufficient technical details in
this book in any case.
 
copyright Robert M. Slade, 1995   BKLNSCHB.RVW   951028

======================
ROBERTS@decus.ca         rslade@vanisl.decus.ca         rslade@cln.etc.bc.ca
                     Ceterum censeo Wiley delendam esse
Author "Robert Slade's Guide to Computer Viruses" 0-387-94311-0/3-540-94311-0