Comments about oreilly Internet Forensics:

Internet Forensics

By Robert Jones

October 2005

Pages: 238

ISBN 10: 0-596-10006-X | ISBN 13: 9780596100063

Very nice. This book covers various interconnected internet security issues including email forensics, the inner workings of SMTP, spam, phishing, hacked spam-bot servers, proxy servers, anonymous surfing, and DNS. This is a relatively easy read considering the topics and the book is generally written in such a way as to tie all the topics together into a cohesive analysis. This was helpful since real-world situation never involve only one of these technologies but instead require a progression. The book discusses both theory and practical application.

I found the information helpful and would like to see the next edition cover each topic with more depth. Also I would like to see more variation of the email topics. For example, a section on Outlook/Exchange specific emails, IMAP protocol emails, etc. could be useful. There were some sections that would benefit from more examples as well. For instance, a section on how to dissect Microsoft Outlook formatted emails using Cygwin or Linux would have been a nice edition.

I definitely recommend it and enjoyed studying the contents.

Summary:

- Very good advice for both professional in the computer security field, hobbyist, and those concerned with personal computer security.

- Focus is on practical advice and examples

Comments about oreilly Internet Forensics:

Over the past ten years, the Internet has become an increasingly vital part of our socio-economic ecosystem. As a result, it would not be conceivable to live without it anymore or to switch it off altogether. On the dark side, it is undeniable that the massive use of the Internet also brings its load of troubles that too often rotten the lives of many online users and businesses.

Committed to supporting the fight against the countless illnesses that plague the modern Internet, Robert Jones has contributed a great book called "Internet Forensics". As its title implies, this book delves into the most intimate details of the Internet and aims at raising the readers awareness regarding the many dangers of the Internet and to provide them with the necessary tools to prevent and fight against those dangers. Jones first introduces the design of DNS and IP addresses in order to explain how to dissect a spam network. He goes on analyzing the anatomy of emails and the SMTP protocol. He also describes the countless techniques used by spammers and phishers and how one can protect herself against them. The book also enumerates many techniques for analyzing web sites, web servers and log files and flushing out their malevolent authors. The book finishes by providing some patterns of activity and two real-world case studies that show in a very comprehensive way how to proceed for dismantling spam networks.

I would advise this book to any person who carries out activities on the Internet and for whom privacy and personal integrity is of paramount importance. Of course, the techniques explained in this book require the reader to show some interest in computer security and to have a working knowledge of UNIX or Linux and programming.

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