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Product Description
Product Description
Linux networks are becoming more and more common, but security is often an overlooked issue. Unfortunately, in today's environment all networks are potential hacker targets, from top-secret military research networks to small home LANs. Linux Network Security focuses on securing Linux in a networked environment, where the security of the entire network needs to be considered rather than just isolated machines. It uses a mix of theory and practical techniques to teach administrators how to install and use security applications, as well as how the applications work and why they are necessary. Starting with the need for security and understanding the problem, the book teaches administrators about packet filtering (firewalling) with iptables, hardening services such as Apache, BIND, Sendmail, FTP, and MySQL to prevent attacks, network analysis, encryption, local security, DoS attacks, and rootkits. Auditing networks for potential vulnerabilities and creating secure passwords is also explored. This is the one book that really details how to secure a Linux network.
About the Author
Peter G. Smith is a programmer and system administrator from the UK. Having originally started as a Web developer with an interest in CSS, MySQL, and PHP, he now works exclusively on UNIX platforms, mostly writing Perl. He is a strong believer in the Open Source movement and has contributed various documentation and programs over the years, as well as writing articles for various on-line publications.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
probably best described as being medium-level .. the book assumes you are ok with basic linux stuff, but the first couple of chapters are quite gentle and cover things like iptables, chkconfig, shadowed passwords etc.
the best bits for me were the later chapters were things get a bit more advanced .. it talks about selinux, lids, chroot, apache security etc.
i liked this book because it didnt waste too much time on the really basic stuff and included lots of details on rootkits and hacking as well as how to stop hackers
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
4 reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Includes a Great Deal of Useful Software
18 April 2005
Format:Paperback
Security is one of those things that everyone knows they should do but typically doesn't until too late. In spite of all the warnings most companies ignore the pleadings of the assigned security specialist until all of a sudden they are hit in the face with a penetration. And this is the theme of the introductory chapter, except that he explains it a lot better.
The second chapter starts with an explanation of John The Ripper. This is a program that attempts to automatically crack your system's password file. (The John The Ripper program is included on the books CD so you can use it to test your own system.)
By this point he had my attention. It was clear that if he wished he could get into my system and do whatever he wished. I interrupted my reading at this point and changed several system passwords to make them a lot more difficult.
After that I went on to read the rest of the book on finding, fixing and preventing holes in a Linux network. I never realized it was so easy.
The book is a combined explanation of what's happening and a wealth of software on the CD. This software, described in the text part of the book, is a selection of software off of the net. The net has a huge amount of software available. Here the author has selected a dozen or so packages that he discusses enough for you to use and to have some faith that the results you are getting are worthwhile.
Perhaps the best book on Linux security ever.
The second chapter starts with an explanation of John The Ripper. This is a program that attempts to automatically crack your system's password file. (The John The Ripper program is included on the books CD so you can use it to test your own system.)
By this point he had my attention. It was clear that if he wished he could get into my system and do whatever he wished. I interrupted my reading at this point and changed several system passwords to make them a lot more difficult.
After that I went on to read the rest of the book on finding, fixing and preventing holes in a Linux network. I never realized it was so easy.
The book is a combined explanation of what's happening and a wealth of software on the CD. This software, described in the text part of the book, is a selection of software off of the net. The net has a huge amount of software available. Here the author has selected a dozen or so packages that he discusses enough for you to use and to have some faith that the results you are getting are worthwhile.
Perhaps the best book on Linux security ever.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
One of the better books on this subject
9 Jun 2005
Format:Paperback
If you are a network administrator who needs to get a quick handle on Linux security this would be a very good choice. It covers the basics of security in general (weak passwords, key logging, Trojans, network topology, etc.) as well as security issues that are specific to Linux.
It does a good job of explaining how Iptables are used in a firewall and how to tune the network. Linux Network Security does appear to thoroughly cover all the basic system security considerations including the passwd file, shadowing, enforcing security, using PAM, and SUDO security. The best part of the book is when the author gets to how to choose an appropriate distribution, use a chroot jail, and protect memory.
In addition to the basic Linux security common to all distributions the author discusses role based access control, the Linux Intrusion Detection System, and the secure Linux distribution SeLinux. The book ends with sections on securing the most common services for Linux - Apache, SSH, NFS, NIS, DNS, BIND, and FTP. It also includes a section on keeping your system secure using Tripwire.
If you need additional help on specific issues there are six appendixes which cover recompiling the kernel, kernel configuration for networking, firewall scripts, and cryptography. This book is obviously intended for the Linux network administrator, but the level of knowledge assumed is somewhat confusing. For some pieces it seems to assume no prior knowledge (like Chapters 1 and 2) and for other areas it seems to assume some basic prior understanding of Linux (although admittedly minimal). Keep in mind that there are whole books on some of these items (like securing Apache) so there is obviously much more detailed information available if you have a specific need. Linux Network Security is highly recommended to network administrators who are dealing with a basic file and print sharing network or who need a solid overview of Linux security and some of the security problems with common services.
It does a good job of explaining how Iptables are used in a firewall and how to tune the network. Linux Network Security does appear to thoroughly cover all the basic system security considerations including the passwd file, shadowing, enforcing security, using PAM, and SUDO security. The best part of the book is when the author gets to how to choose an appropriate distribution, use a chroot jail, and protect memory.
In addition to the basic Linux security common to all distributions the author discusses role based access control, the Linux Intrusion Detection System, and the secure Linux distribution SeLinux. The book ends with sections on securing the most common services for Linux - Apache, SSH, NFS, NIS, DNS, BIND, and FTP. It also includes a section on keeping your system secure using Tripwire.
If you need additional help on specific issues there are six appendixes which cover recompiling the kernel, kernel configuration for networking, firewall scripts, and cryptography. This book is obviously intended for the Linux network administrator, but the level of knowledge assumed is somewhat confusing. For some pieces it seems to assume no prior knowledge (like Chapters 1 and 2) and for other areas it seems to assume some basic prior understanding of Linux (although admittedly minimal). Keep in mind that there are whole books on some of these items (like securing Apache) so there is obviously much more detailed information available if you have a specific need. Linux Network Security is highly recommended to network administrators who are dealing with a basic file and print sharing network or who need a solid overview of Linux security and some of the security problems with common services.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
lots of info
19 April 2005
Format:Paperback
despite its smallish size (550 pages) this book is packed full of useful info. the first couple of chapters are a whistle stop tour of the all the ways a linux box can be hacked, and the rest of the book describes how to fix these problems. most of the book is intermediate level, but a couple of the later chapters are more advanced. but i think this is a good thing because it means the book goes into much more detail than most others.
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