Kevin Mitnick's exploits as a cyber-desperado and fugitive form one
of the most exhaustive FBI manhunts in history and have spawned
dozens of articles, books, films, and documentaries. Since his
release from federal prison, in 1998, Mitnick has turned his life
around and established himself as one of the most sought-after
computer security experts worldwide. Now, in The Art of Deception,
the world's most notorious hacker gives new meaning to the old
adage, "It takes a thief to catch a thief."

Focusing on the human factors involved with information security,
Mitnick explains why all the firewalls and encryption protocols in
the world will never be enough to stop a savvy grifter intent on
rifling a corporate database or an irate employee determined to
crash a system. With the help of many fascinating true stories of
successful attacks on business and government, he illustrates just
how susceptible even the most locked-down information systems are
to a slick con artist impersonating an IRS agent. Narrating from
the points of view of both the attacker and the victims, he
explains why each attack was so successful and how it could have
been prevented in an engaging and highly readable style reminiscent
of a true-crime novel. And, perhaps most importantly, Mitnick
offers advice for preventing these types of social engineering
hacks through security protocols, training programs, and manuals
that address the human element of security.

Autorentext

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.

Zusammenfassung
The world's most infamous hacker offers an insider's view of the low-tech threats to high-tech security
Kevin Mitnick's exploits as a cyber-desperado and fugitive form one of the most exhaustive FBI manhunts in history and have spawned dozens of articles, books, films, and documentaries. Since his release from federal prison, in 1998, Mitnick has turned his life around and established himself as one of the most sought-after computer security experts worldwide. Now, in The Art of Deception, the world's most notorious hacker gives new meaning to the old adage, "It takes a thief to catch a thief."
Focusing on the human factors involved with information security, Mitnick explains why all the firewalls and encryption protocols in the world will never be enough to stop a savvy grifter intent on rifling a corporate database or an irate employee determined to crash a system. With the help of many fascinating true stories of successful attacks on business and government, he illustrates just how susceptible even the most locked-down information systems are to a slick con artist impersonating an IRS agent. Narrating from the points of view of both the attacker and the victims, he explains why each attack was so successful and how it could have been prevented in an engaging and highly readable style reminiscent of a true-crime novel. And, perhaps most importantly, Mitnick offers advice for preventing these types of social engineering hacks through security protocols, training programs, and manuals that address the human element of security.

Inhalt

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?".