Trojans, Worms, and Spyware : A Computer Security Professional's Guide to Malicious Code (Paperback)

Description:

Trojans, Worms, and Spyware provides practical, easy to understand, and readily usable advice to help organizations to improve their security and reduce the possible risks of malicious code attacks. Despite the global downturn, information systems security remains one of the more in-demand professions in the world today. With the widespread use of the Internet as a business tool, more emphasis is being placed on information security than ever before. To successfully deal with this increase in dependence and the ever growing threat of virus and worm attacks, Information security and information assurance (IA) professionals need a jargon-free book that addresses the practical aspects of meeting new security requirements.

This book provides a comprehensive list of threats, an explanation of what they are and how they wreak havoc with systems, as well as a set of rules-to-live-by along with a system to develop procedures and implement security training. It is a daunting task to combat the new generation of computer security threats – new and advanced variants of Trojans, as well as spyware (both hardware and software) and “bombs” – and Trojans, Worms, and Spyware will be a handy must-have reference for the computer security professional to battle and prevent financial and operational harm from system attacks.

 

Preface
Dedication
Acknowledgements
Introduction


Chapter One: Malicious Code Overview
Why Malicious Code Attacks are Dangerous
The Impact of Malicious Code Attacks on Corporate Security
Why Malicious Code Attacks Work
Flaws in Software
Weaknesses in System and Network Configurations
Social Engineering
Human Error and Foolishness
Hackers, Thieves, and Spies
Action Steps to Combat Malicious Code Attacks

Chapter Two: Types of Malicious Code
Email Viruses
Trojans
Back Doors
Worms
Blended Threats
Time Bombs
Spy Ware
Ad Ware
Steal Ware
Action Steps to Combat Malicious Code Attacks


Chapter Three: Review of Malicious Code Incidents
Historic Tidbits
The Morris Worm
Melissa
Love Bug
Code Red(s)
SirCam
Nimda
Slammer
The Summer of 2003 Barrage of Blaster, Sobig and More
Early 2004 with MyDoom, Netsky and More
Action Steps to Combat Malicious Code Attacks


Chapter Four: Basic Steps to Combat Malicious Code
Understanding The Risks
Using Security Policies to Set Standards
System and Patch Updates
Establishing a Computer Incident Response Team
Training for IT Professionals
Training End Users
Applying Social Engineering Methods in an Organization
Working with Law Enforcement Agencies
Action Steps to Combat Malicious Code Attacks


Chapter Five: Organizing for Security, Prevention, and Response
Organization of the IT Security Function
Where Malicious Code Prevention fits Into the IT Security Function
Staffing for Malicious Code Prevention in IT
Budgeting for Malicious Code Prevention
Evaluating Products for Malicious Code Prevention
Establishing and Utilizing an Alert Systems
Establishing and Utilizing a Reporting System
Corporate Security and Malicious Code Incident Investigations
Action Steps to Combat Malicious Code Attacks


Chapter Six: Controlling Computer Behavior of Employees
Policies on Appropriate Use of Corporate Systems
Monitoring Employee Behavior
Site Blockers and Internet Filters
Cookie and Spyware Blockers
Pop Up Blockers
Controlling Downloads
SPAM Control
Action Steps to Combat Malicious Code Attacks


Chapter Seven: Responding to a Malicious Code Incident
The First Report of a Malicious Code Attack
The Confirmation Process
Mobilizing the Response Team
Notifying Management
Using an Alert system and Informing End-Users
Clean up and Restoration
Controlling and Capturing Malicious Code
Identifying the Source of Malicious Code
The Preservation of Evidence
When to Call Law Enforcement
Enterprise Wide Eradication
Returning to Normal Operations
Analyzing Lessons Learned
Action Steps to Combat Malicious Code Attacks


Chapter Eight: Model Training Program for End-Users
Explaining why The Training is Important
Explaining The Appropriate Use Policy for Computers and Networks
Explaining How the Help Desk and PC Support of the Organization Works
Covering the Basic Do’s and Don’ts of Computer Usage to Prevent Attacks
Providing Basic Information about Malicious Code
Explaining How it Identify Potentially Malicious Code
Explaining What Employees Should to do if They Suspect Code is Malicious
Explaining What Employees Should Expect From the IT Department During Incident Response.
Performing the Administrative Aspects of a Training Program
Action Steps to Combat Malicious Code Attacks


Chapter Nine: The Future of Malicious Code
Military Style Information Warfare
Open Source Information Warfare
Militancy and Social Action
Homeland Security Efforts
Action Steps to Combat Malicious Code Attacks


Index

Appendix A: Computer Security Resources