1st Edition

Computer Security Literacy Staying Safe in a Digital World

By Douglas Jacobson, Joseph Idziorek Copyright 2013
    368 Pages 186 B/W Illustrations
    by Chapman & Hall

    368 Pages
    by Chapman & Hall

    Computer users have a significant impact on the security of their computer and personal information as a result of the actions they perform (or do not perform). Helping the average user of computers, or more broadly information technology, make sound security decisions, Computer Security Literacy: Staying Safe in a Digital World focuses on practical security topics that users are likely to encounter on a regular basis.

    Written for nontechnical readers, the book provides context to routine computing tasks so that readers better understand the function and impact of security in everyday life. The authors offer practical computer security knowledge on a range of topics, including social engineering, email, and online shopping, and present best practices pertaining to passwords, wireless networks, and suspicious emails. They also explain how security mechanisms, such as antivirus software and firewalls, protect against the threats of hackers and malware.

    While information technology has become interwoven into almost every aspect of daily life, many computer users do not have practical computer security knowledge. This hands-on, in-depth guide helps anyone interested in information technology to better understand the practical aspects of computer security and successfully navigate the dangers of the digital world.

    What Is Information Security?
    Introduction
    How Much of Our Daily Lives Relies on Computers?
    Security Truisms
    Basic Security Terminology
    Cyber Ethics
    The Perception of Security
    Threat Model
    Security Is a Multidisciplinary Topic

    Introduction to Computers and the Internet
    Introduction
    Computers
    Operation of a Computer
    Overview of the Internet
    Computers and the Internet
    Security Role-Playing Characters

    Passwords under Attack
    Introduction
    Authentication Process
    Password Threats
    Strong Passwords
    Password Management: Let’s Be Practical

    Email Security
    Introduction
    Email Systems
    Email Security and Privacy

    Malware: The Dark Side of Software
    Introduction
    What Is Malware?
    How Do I Get Malware?
    What Does Malware Do?

    Malware: Defense in Depth
    Introduction
    Data Backup
    Firewalls
    Software Patches
    Antivirus Software
    User Education

    Securely Surfing the World Wide Web
    Introduction
    Web Browser
    "HTTP Secure"
    Web Browser History

    Online Shopping
    Introduction
    Consumer Decisions
    Spyware and Key-Loggers
    Wireless Sniffing
    Scams and Phishing Websites
    Misuse and Exposure of Information

    Wireless Internet Security
    Introduction
    How Wireless Networks Work
    Wireless Security Threats
    Public Wi-Fi Security
    Wireless Network Administration

    Social Networking
    Introduction
    Choose Your Friends Wisely
    Information Sharing
    Malware and Phishing

    Social Engineering: Phishing for Suckers
    Introduction
    Social Engineering: Malware Distribution
    Phishing
    Detecting a Phishing URL
    Application of Knowledge

    Staying Safe Online: The Human Threat
    Introduction
    The Differences between Cyberspace and the Physical World
    Consider the Context: Watch What You Say and How It Is Communicated
    What You Do on the Internet Lasts Forever
    Nothing Is Private, Now or in the Future
    Can You Really Tell Who You Are Talking with?
    Cameras and Photo Sharing
    I Am a Good Person, That Would Never Happen to Me
    Is There Anything I Can Do to Make the Internet a Safer Place for My Child?

    Case Studies
    Introduction
    Unable to Remove Malware: Help!
    Securely Handling Suspicious Email Attachments
    Recovering from a Phishing Attack
    Email Account Hacked? Now What?
    Smart Phones and Malware
    Hey! You! Get off My Wireless Network
    Bad Breakup? Sever Your Digital Ties
    "Display Images Below"? The Meaning behind the Question
    Phishing Email Forensics
    It’s on the Internet, So It Must Be True
    Buying and Selling Online

    Moving Forward with Security and Book Summary
    Introduction
    After the Completion of the Book
    Defense-in-Depth Tasks
    Chapter Summaries

    Glossary

    Appendix A: Reading List
    Appendix B: Basics of Cryptography
    Appendix C: Web Surfing Security Technologies

    A Summary and Bibliography appear at the end of each chapter.

    Biography

    Douglas Jacobson Joseph Idziorek

    "… a practical, application-oriented introduction to security education and literacy. While the information is technical enough to provide value to information systems professionals, the organization around specific topics makes it accessible to non-technical users looking for information on specific issues. … the book would be appropriate for an upper-division introductory course on information security … a good book for use in educational training programs developed by corporate information security managers. Technical information security professionals could also benefit from reading the book. … the material is well-written and effectively organized."
    —W.T. Neumann, Computing Reviews, March 2013

    "User error was manifest last week when it was detailed that the New York Times was penetrated over the course of four months by Chinese hackers who infiltrated its network and obtained passwords for a significant amount of the Times reporters and employees. Attempting to alleviate such user error issues, Computer Security Literacy: Staying Safe in a Digital World is a helpful security awareness book. … The book provides information about essential security topics in an easy-to-read manner. … a worthwhile guide for an organization to have in their information security awareness program. It provides the reader with an understanding and appreciation for the magnitude of computer security. Had the New York Times employees been aware of the risks and taken actions as written in Computer Security Literacy, odds are that the effects would have been much less, and they wouldn’t have been a cover story in their own periodical."
    —Ben Rothke, RSA Conference.com, February 2013

    "… a good primer for laypersons who use computers, giving this audience a broad understanding of important points. … Recommended"
    —S.A. Patton, Indiana State University in CHOICE Magazine, June 2013