Foreword.
Preface.
Introduction.
Part 1: Behind the Scenes.
Chapter 1: Security's Weakest Link.
Part 2: The Art of the Attacker.
Chapter 2: When Innocuous Information Isn't.
Chapter 3: The Direct Attack: Just Asking for It.
Chapter 4: Building Trust.
Chapter 5: "Let Me Help You".
Chapter 6: "Can You Help Me?".
Chapter 7: Phony Sites and Dangerous Attachments.
Chapter 8: Using Sympathy, Guilt, and Intimidation.
Chapter 9: The Reverse Sting.
Part 3: Intruder Alert.
Chapter 10: Entering the Premises.
Chapter 11: Combining Technology and Social Engineering.
Chapter 12: Attacks on the Entry-Level Employee.
Chapter 13: Clever Cons.
Chapter 14: Industrial Espionage.
Part 4: Raising the Bar.
Chapter 15: Information Security Awareness and Training.
Chapter 16: Recommended Corporate Information Security Policies.
Security at a Glance.
Sources.
Acknowledgments.
Index.
Kevin Mitnick is the founder of Defensive Thinking, an information security firm, and speaks widely on security issues. He has appeared on 60 Minutes and elsewhere in the media, and his exploits have spawned several bestselling books, including The Fugitive Game.
William Simon is the bestselling author of more than twenty books.
“…a fascinating read…” (ForTean Times, June 2004) "...a lot of interesting cautionary tales..." (New Scientist, January 2004)
"...a fascinating read..." (ForTean Times, June 2004)
"...a lot of interesting cautionary tales..." (New Scientist, January 2004)
Mitnick is the most famous computer hacker in the world. Since his first arrest in 1981, at age 17, he has spent nearly half his adult life either in prison or as a fugitive. He has been the subject of three books and his alleged 1982 hack into NORAD inspired the movie War Games. Since his plea-bargain release in 2000, he says he has reformed and is devoting his talents to helping computer security. It's not clear whether this book is a means toward that end or a, wink-wink, fictionalized account of his exploits, with his name changed to protect his parole terms. Either way, it's a tour de force, a series of tales of how some old-fashioned blarney and high-tech skills can pry any information from anyone. As entertainment, it's like reading the climaxes of a dozen complex thrillers, one after the other. As a security education, it's a great series of cautionary tales; however, the advice to employees not to give anyone their passwords is bland compared to the depth and energy of Mitnick's descriptions of how he actually hacked into systems. As a manual for a would-be hacker, it's dated and nonspecific better stuff is available on the Internet but it teaches the timeless spirit of the hack. Between the lines, a portrait emerges of the old-fashioned hacker stereotype: a socially challenged, obsessive loser addicted to an intoxicating sense of power that comes only from stalking and spying. (Oct.) Forecast: Mitnick's notoriety and his well-written, entertaining stories should generate positive word-of-mouth. With the double appeal of a true-crime memoir and a manual for computer security, this book will enjoy good sales. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.
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