Customer Rating:  
Summary: A good place to start working on security fundamentals.
Comment: With the need for network security ever increasing daily and the need for security specialist on the rise in the industry, it is nice to see Sybex releasing an update to this manual. While I found this book to more for the foundational concepts rather than the more experienced technician, this is still a great book to work with. What attracted me to this book was the author Chris Brenton, of whom I read his Mastering Cisco Routers and found it an invaluable resource to my job. I also found his knowledge of this subject matter to be just as impressive, making this a first rate resource. I wished I had read this before the router book and certain concepts would have been easier to understand. The chapters for firewalls and particular PIX Firewalls, I thought was well documented and explained. The one thing I found most impressive by the text was the fact that the authors made or make no assumption of knowledge level, thereby ensuring the reader have an explanation that will make sense and be comprehendible at the same time. Another thing I found was that while this book is Network Security and does not conform to any Security Certification objectives, it would be useful for Security+ exam as well as some others. I also liked the exercises included, but I always want more, which is something to add to the next edition. Overall for those trying to crack the security barrier you have a great place to get started. The authors did a terrific job and Sybex has a winner in this book.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Almost Master Network Security
Comment: Overall this text is slightly better than good. After reading almost the whole book I found that for someone interested in theory and not so much in technique, this is a good read. It does go over some good points about planning your security model and gives good advice on how to approach security in your organization. It even goes through a basic install of CheckPoint FW-1 for NT. Topics including policy, legal issues and the user's ability to comply with policy are interesting but not why I bought this book. I thought Chris put some good information in this text but the title doesn't accurately match the content.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Network Security for the Intermediate Admin
Comment: I am learning to be a Network Security Auditor. I have basic to intermediate knowledge of network administration and security. This book propels you well into the intermediate to advanced knowledge of network security. This book is easy to understand, but a working knowledge of TCP/IP, Firewalls and Network Administration is a must. Combine this book with the Hacking Exposed book and you are set.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Awesome Book
Comment: Technical books tend to bore me to death but I managed to worked my way through this one. The author didn't write it in typical egghead-ese that one might see with any book focused on a such a complex arena of computing. I learned quite a few concepts with this one. I purchased the book primarily based on the ratings here and want to thank the other reviewers. They were right on with their reviews. This one is a must-read if you're even remotely interested in network security.
Customer Rating:
Summary: "Mastery" not possible, but a strong volume nonetheless
Comment: I imagine Chris didn't choose the exact title of this book, as it is another of Sybex's "Mastering..." series. He would probably agree that no single book or combination of books will produce a security "expert." Regardless, I was surprised at the scope of material and Chris' ability to explain it well. I am trying to broaden my security horizons beyond intrusion detection, and I found this book well organized, logical, and amazingly pertinent almost two years since it was written. I found what I believe are very minor errors (e.g., details of a FIN scan), but I can't fault anyone who attempts to capture so much information in one volume. I will recommend my intrusion detection analysts add this book to their reading lists. Thanks Chris!
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