BitDefender Internet Security 2011 Value Edition - 3 PC/2 year Review

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(More customer reviews)So here's the deal. I've been using computers since the TI-994a (actually had one called a Timex Sinclair before that)and have been "online" since the Prodigy days and 300 baud modems. So I've been around the block when it comes to computers, internet and security software. I know how to install, uninstall and tweak my way through most issues without having to contact support...until this security suite.
I was previously using Norton 2011 and when this came up on Vine, I'm always looking to try new security suites. I fully removed Norton and during the BitDefender installation, it confirmed that no other security software is installed that would conflict with it (nice feature).I'm running a Windows 7 64bit Toshiba laptop with 3 GB memory and pentium processor so this shouldn't be a problem I thought. The installation went fine and I did a full system scan (took upwards of 6 hours), the product updated, requested a reboot and I thought we were off...
Unfortunately, although it initially recognized registration key, it appears to have lost that or not worked correctly. I can't get the services to start and I'm supposed to contact BitDefender support directly from within the program...well that's great IF the program will run. So off to the website, go through my account I was required to establish with BitDefender and have already left a tech support ticket within 12 hours of installation. I can't say as though I've ever had to do that.
I'm keeping my review 'neutral" at 3 until I hear back from support and determine if this is fixable. I'll keep you updated on any resolution they find.
**UPDATE** 9/22/10
Support contacted me within 36 hours asking me manually run a support tool that was to capture information and then I was to send the file off to them. I did all of that and while I've been waiting, I uninstalled and reinstalled. This time all went as before, but it took my account information for good. Maybe it was something you need to do first, actually create your account online, then install...not sure but it has worked fine since the reinstall. It's doing a full system scan which it estimates will be done in 2 hours +
**UPDATE** 9/29/10
So I thought I would take advantage of the additional licenses and install on my laptop upstairs and then use the "network" feature. This feature allows you to create the server and client pc and run all updates, scans etc from the server to the client. Sounds nice doesn't it. So, I installed the product upstairs, rebooted and went to my server laptop to begin. I enabled the network with a password (the client also has a password) and if you choose the same password for both, the server pc is "supposed" to recognize it and add it automatically...didn't happen. So I thought I would add it manually. It shows up in the network space, has the pc icon with the bitdefender icon on top of that which lets you know this computer can be added. Click on it and select and..."Can't add computer as it is not running BitDefender or can't be added"...Really?? Even after your program is telling me it sees that it is running BitDefender? So off to technical support again. I have to give them props as I have gotten very timely responses. This go around however, the list of items they wanted me to do (including stopping certain services within the product) just wasn't worth the effort. Shouldn't antivirus/network control truly be set it and forget it? My Norton 2011 was that way, and I've had to fiddle way too much with this program already.
All in all, I've been disappointed in the product and happy with tech response time. Not many people are willing to go through support ticket after support ticket just to get their virus protection working.
UPDATE 10/1/10
Well, I've gone back to Norton. Too many issues with BitDefender even with a 2 year license key. Particularly annoying was the fact that my pc kept registering problems with security (bitdefender out of date and antivirus scans) I just wasn't going to put up with it anymore.

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BitDefender Internet Security 2011 Value Edition provides 3 PCs with two years of protection against viruses, hackers, spam, and identity theft… without the slowdown! Includes: Firewall; iPhone-friendly Parental Controls, to monitor and control what websites your kids visit and who they IM with, 24/7; IM Encryption, for private chatting; QuickScan, to detect viruses in just 60 seconds; Video Tutorials, to keep you in the know about your security; a customizable dashboard that lets you choose how much or how little you want to see; Home Network Management; Laptop Mode, to prolong battery life; Gamer Mode; automatic hourly updates; and more!
Get advance warning of risky websites.

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Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 (3 User) Review

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(More customer reviews)As background, I've used quite a few internet security suites: ZoneAlarm, Norton, McAfee, OneCare, and previous Kaspersky products. With Kaspersky, I've come to expect a product that is top-tier for protection, but requires some technical understanding to configure. Its actually why I stopped using the previous version - While I have a technical background, I really don't want to spend my time on a computer configuring the security software, I want to use the PC.
Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 is a complete change, and even manages to improve the protection in the process. First, the Automatic Mode (where Kaspersky takes care of new applications, internet connections, etc.) is now worth using in my opinion. This takes a lot of the "manual" work out of the picture.
Kaspersky licensed technology from Bit9 in this release for whitelisting. Whitelisting is using a list of "known good" applications that can be trusted to go to the internet. For example, Microsoft's Internet Explorer is a known piece of software, so it can be trusted. For applications not on the whitelist, the software determines from its actions if it may be malicious, and categorizes them as such (and therefore, pays more attention to them). What does this mean for you? Less overhead using applications it knows it can trust - Faster browsing, using your PC, etc.
Finally, the last addition that I think is perfect is the security analysis it performs during full scans. Besides checking for viruses, malware, etc., it also checks your applications to see if there are known, patchable vulnerabilities. One of the most prevalent ways bad stuff gets on your PC these days is through unpatched "holes" in software. Kaspersky will alert you to these holes, so you can patch them before someone can get to your computer. An ounce of prevention being better than a pound of cure, so to speak (although with Kaspersky, you get both).
I have no noticeable slowdown on my machine, the product is using less than 25MB of RAM presently, and I know I have one of the best security products protecting my data. I highly recommend this product!

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Complete Internet security protection withanti-virus anti-spyware anti-phishing anti-spam and anti-hacker technologiesperfect for home or small office.Product Information[For Up to 3 Users]Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 gives you full protection against virusesspyware rootkits and other types of malware. You also get an advanced firewallsolution privacy and parental controls as well as protection against identitytheft and confidential data leakage. Kaspersky Anti-Malware Engine Better Than Ever! Over the last few yearssince entering the market Kaspersky has taken the US consumers by storm andthe brand keeps getting more and more attention and topping more and morecomparison tests and reviews the world over. Kaspersky has improved itsproducts even further by entirely rebuilding its anti-malware engine. Thanks tothese changes performance is better than ever the product is even lighter andno other brand even comes close when it comes to scanning speed.New FeaturesKaspersky 2009 New and Improved Features:Easy-to-Use for Anyone!At a first glance it is obvious that the interface is even more user-friendlythan version 7.0. In previous versions of Kaspersky the interface seemed to beaimed mainly at "tech people"; now it is easy enough for anyone to use.To make it easy to use for less advanced users the main screen of KasperskyAnti-Virus 2009 and Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 gives you all the necessaryinformation but for more advanced users there is still the option to getadditional information and to customize the product in a number of differentways. For most people however the basic settings are more than effective.Even Lower Resource NeedsUsers of earlier Kaspersky versions have been very happy about its low resourceneeds and the new Kaspersky 2009 does not disappoint when it comes to this. Thescan engine now takes advantage of dual-core processors without affectingresource needs. The programs also balance scan speed to user activ

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Kaspersky Lab Internet Security 2011 3 user- Frustration Free Packaging Review

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(More customer reviews)After using Norton for years and getting totally frustrated with their horrible service and an atrocious product called Norton 360, I switched to Kaspersky about 3 years ago. That was a fantastic move because Kaspersky has better customer service and a SUPERIOR product. Let me start by saying Kaspersky is the best consumer product for protection of your computer, however, they have significant problems every time they upgrade to a new version. Even worse, management refuses to communicate with their customers about those problems.
One of the pluses of buying this product is the following. If a new version comes out during your one year cycle, you can upgrade to the new product for FREE. The downside, with both the 2010 and 2011 upgrades, many customers [not all] had major problems. With the 2010 upgrade, I was one of many whose system slowed to a crawl for weeks until they finally fixed the problem. Management failed to send out an email advising customers there was a problem. I learned about it after the fact. I was one day away from leaving the product for good when it was finally corrected. I thought they learned their lesson but they didn't because 2011 is causing a new array of problems.
With Kaspersky 2011, [for many customers] if you open up a photo it will completely freeze your system. I'm talking about a complete lock up. You cannot use Ctrl-Alt-Delete to get to the Task Manager and you can't even reboot. The one and only way to get your system restarted is to turn off the power, wait about 30 seconds, and turn your computer back on. That is totally unacceptable!
After several weeks of complete silence from management, the problem was corrected and now users can check out photos without a system failure. Most users had no idea why their system was freezing and locking up. The company should have sent an email to every customers saying:
1. We have a problem with the 2011 upgrade
2. When you do X, your computer will lock up
3. We are aware of the problem and are working on an update to fix the issue.
4. The "Tentative" Date for the fix is whatever date they select
5. In the interim, we recommend you do Y
All software companies have problems. But everyone appreciates and understands when customer service acknowledges they made a mistake and they're working hard to correct the problem. A lack of communication results in customer frustration and a negative attitude towards the product and the company. As much as I like and respect the actual product, I would NOT touch Kaspersky 2011 until management decides to be honest, open, and communicate with it's customers.

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McAfee Total Protection 2008 - 3 User Review

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(More customer reviews)The McAfee suite worked reasonably well under Win XP but I had difficulties with it under Vista. Ended up switching to OneCare...
My main issue with McAfee is that the service comes with an auto-renewal feature. They will charge your credit card on the subscription's anniversary. Fair enough...
However, I wanted to cancel it as I no longer use the software. To my surprise, you can't just go to the web site, click on a "cancel" link and be done. They actually force you to contact customer service (phone, chat, email) and then take you through a long process (15min in my case) of getting through it. They first put you in a queue, then verify your details multiple times, then, after you make it clear that you want to cancel the service and receive a refund, the conversation goes like this:Me: Please cancel my service and issue a refund (the 4th time I asked...)
McAfee: why?
Me: I just noticed an auto renewal charge and I don't want the service
McAfee: OK, we will terminate the auto renewal
Me: What? I don't want to terminate future auto-renwals, I want to cancel the one from last week and get a refund...
McAfee: may we ask why?
Me: please cancel and issue a refund...
McAfee: OK...It is obvious that McAfee has all the intentions to make cancellations as difficult as possible. The 10%-20% of people who'd rather not spend the time dealing with it are pure profit. However, the rest of us consumers should not reward such practice.


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10 in 1 Protection - complete online and PC security / Fight viruses and more / Provides 1 Year coverage + Updates / For up to 3 users and computers Blocks hackers from attacking your Wi-Fi wireless network and stealing your personal information, so you can safely connect Backs Up and Restores your photos, music and important files Safeguards your identity and online experience so you can surf the Web, shop, bank, e-mail and instant message safely Keeps your PC healthy and secure. Intercepts prohibited Web sites, unwanted activity and offensive pictures to keep your family safe Blocks hackers from attacking your wireless network, safeguarding your personal information and transactions.Automates file and printer sharing among trusted friends and family Protects Children Online - Filters offensive content, pictures, and Web sites so you can keep your children safe when online Simplifies security with improved McAfee SecurityCenter Warns you about sites which send spam, install adware, or attempt online scams Shields your PC around the clock -always on, always updating, always protecting Prevents spam and phishing scams so you can e-mail with friends and family safely 24/7 virus and threat protection from McAfee AVERT Labs continuously monitors worldwide virus activities and provides immediate anti-virus protection and removal solutions Provides advance warning to help you avoid sites which send spam, install adware, or attempt online scams Daily updates are installed automatically. When a new version of McAfee is available, you get it automatically at no charge during your subscription, ensuring that you always have up-to-date protection for up to 1-Year after installation Support from McAfee's computer security experts, via Internet chat, e-mail and phone

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McAfee Total Protection 2009 3-User Review

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(More customer reviews)When computer users were searching for a term to apply to computer programs that came loaded with viruses, harmful DRM (Digital Rights Management) or other insidious ways of slowing down the user's computer, they eventually settled on "Malware."
Its time to coin a new term for programs like McAfee Total Protection. My complaints against the program are only partially related to its ability to filter out viruses and keep a computer free of junk.
The real issue with this program, and many, many others is that it will constantly steal the users focus by popping up text boxes from the Taskbar in Windows. These can come at ANY time the computer is on. They alert the user to the fact that "McAfee has installed updates," or "It is time to restart the computer" to the neverendingly frustrating "Your subscription is about to expire." These boxes can and will pop up while immersed in a full screen computer game, at times causing it to crash. They will pop up when you are working on editing digital photos, or watching a movie, or anything else that requires your full attention.
The term "nagware," came to mind, and maybe it will stick. Feel free to put your suggestions in the comments section of this review.
I understand why they do this. It is intended for novice computer owners who need to be reminded of all of these things, and who don't consider having their 'focus' (the primary task the computer user is working on. For example, as I write this review, it is my primary focus) stolen as EXTREMELY frustrating. That wouldn't even be a big deal, except that McAfee in their infinite wisdom has provided no remedy for the power user. We cannot turn off these irritating messages. They come regardless of my desire to see them or not.
They are amazingly irritating, especially if they disrupt something immersive, like a computer game or movie. Imagine: you are watching your new blue-ray of "The Dark Knight," and just as Batman is about to dispense with the Joker, a text box pops up with the message "McAfee has finished installing updates" in a gray box in the corner of the screen. Unacceptable in the first place, and even more so because you CANNOT TURN THIS FEATURE OFF! This gets unbearable when your subscription is a few months from expiring, and alerts informing you of that pop up literally every time you use the computer. Also, they don't just leave after they pop up, the user is required to click 'ok.' You cannot permanently disable these messages.
As a virus scanner, McAfee works relatively well. It will scan your system for viruses, and if your definitions are up-to-date, find them some of the time. However, it is pretty strange that after making virus software for so many years, they still cannot provide a reasonably well working Spyware hunter that is anywhere near as good as the free version of "Ad-Aware" offered by Lavasoft, or the retail version of "Spybot Search and Destroy."
Another major complaint is the sheer size of the system resource footprint that McAfee total protection takes up. If you have an older computer, less than 2gb of ram (4gb with Vista), this program will create a very noticeable slowdown in your computer's performance. Comparing to how it runs on my wife's laptop with 4gb of ram vs. some of the computers at my work with only 1.5gb, the older work computers are drastically slowed down by McAfee, while my wife's laptop with its 4gb of ram is not really affected. (I do not use this program on my computer for the reasons that I've laid out above).
In concussion, if you don't care about 1. Annoying pop ups that steal your focus and cannot be disabled, 2. Very limited spyware removal and 3. Slow and poorly written code that uses a large portion of system resources, you MIGHT consider buying this software.
*****UPDATE 09-15-2009*****
Still have this program installed on my wife's laptop, and it's still popping up annoying and useless advertisements despite the fact that I've turned off all notifications in the options tab--you can see the most recent one that I took a screen shot of in the 'customer images' section of this Amazon page. When the license runs out in a few months I will be uninstalling this program and replacing it with AVAST home edition which is free. I can't recommend this program to anyone. Save yourself the money and get a free alternative like AVAST or AVG.
*****UPDATE 01-01-2010*****
Microsoft has recently released their excellent MICROSOFT SECURITY ESSENTIALS for fee. It also recently won an award for being the best anti-virus program out there. Bests of all it's FREE to anyone with a valid copy of Windows (XP through Windows 7). I've been using it for a few months now and let me tell you, it's just about the best anti-virus I've encountered. Searches are wicked fast, the interface is slick, and best of all it has a tiny memory footprint! Updates are free FOREVER. Did I mention the program itself is completely free? Just Google search MICROSOFT SECURITY ESSENTIALS, download, install, and you're good to go.

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MFE09 TOT PROT 3USER

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Creating the Secure Managed Desktop: Using Group Policy, SoftGrid, Microsoft Deployment Toolkit, and Other Management Tools Review

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(More customer reviews)I have been using this book to help me roll out a new Vista deployment. This book has been indispensible. It's really hard to know just how to go about a ground-up deployment (especially if you've never done one before), so this book approaches desktop management and security in an incremental approach, which is appropriate if you are still deciding on what level of desktop management is required in your situation. So I have no complaints. I just wish there was a similar book tha would help (especially small businesss, e.g. 25 employees or less) know what steps to take to plan a managed secure desktop enviroment and then roll it out.

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Learn how to secure and manage every desktop in your network with Creating the Secure Managed Desktop: Using Group Policy, SoftGrid, Microsoft Deployment Toolkit, and Other Management Tools. Understand the tools and technologies you will need to create a more secure network using Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista and other Windows platforms and learn how to manage, diagnose, configure, update, and protect multiple desktops in an Active Directory network. Master automating tasks, setting and controlling settings, managing user profiles, and locking down systems from this must-have reference.

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Windows Server 2008 Security Resource Kit (PRO - Resource Kit) Review

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(More customer reviews)Full Disclosure: I wrote the small business chapter.
To Peter who was disappointed because he wanted to see "real world templates for use in his firm". Once upon a time I was just like you and I went and volunteered in a standard setting body to find that magical elixar of a cookie cutter template that would secure me. I found that there isn't a magical button, nor is there a template that I can just magically deploy. No one knows my network but me. Therefore no one but me can secure it.
Remember Dorothy and how she had the power to go home all along but had to learn it? Same thing here. I can't give you the security template that fits my network because it's based on my needs, my risk, my business. It won't fit your needs, your business, your risk.
Each network is unique. So for those of you disappointed in the fact that this doesn't have a slam it down your network and magically it's secure template, be disappointed in yourself first.
You have to determine your own risk, and then you start tweaking and seeing what breaks. Notch the security back for that part, see if you are comfortable with that.

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SSL and TLS: Designing and Building Secure Systems Review

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(More customer reviews)As one of the three co-designers of SSL v3, I highly recommend this book -- it's the best book I've seen on SSL/TLS. Eric knows the protocol inside and out and does an excellent job of explaining both the practice and theory of SSL and TLS. The book also includes includes lots of practical information that isn't in the spec about how things are actually done and does a great job explaining the underlying cryptography and security.

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Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is used in virtually every commercial web browser and server. In this book, one of the world's leading network security experts explains how SSL works -- and gives implementers step-by-step guidance and proven design patterns for building secure systems with SSL. Eric Rescorla also provides the first in-depth introduction to Transport Layer Security (TLS), the highly anticipated, maximum-security successor to SSL. Rescorla starts by introducing SSL's fundamentals: how it works, and the threats it is intended to address. One step at a time, he addresses each key SSL concept and technique, including cryptography, SSL performance optimization, designing and coding, and how to work around SSL's limitations. Rescorla demonstrates TLS at work in SMTP-based Internet security applications. The book includes detailed examples of SSL/TLS implementations, with in-depth insight into the key design choices that informed them. For all network and security designers, enterprise developers, system implementers, and suppliers of Internet security products and services.

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CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional Study Guide Review

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(More customer reviews)I must admit a soft spot for Sybex (and Ed Tittel) study guides, having used them extensively for Microsoft exams. This book follows in that tradition, providing a good balance between detailed explanation and comprehensive coverage of the exam topics.
The bundled CD is useful. I raced through the 250 flash cards in an hour, which is good for jogging the memory. The four bonus exams, of 75 questions each, are good, but are not as difficult as the real thing. These exams provide grades broken down by each CISSP exam domain, which is excellent for identifying topics for revision.
One book can not guarantee coverage of all CISSP exam topics, particularly given the long list of references on the CISSP suggested reading list. I also skimmed through a friend's copy of Shon Harris's "All-in-One" exam guide. I would still rate this book higher, but Harris's book covers some topics in more detail then the Sybex book. The "All-in-One" practice exams are more difficult, though some of the questions are not clearly worded.
The biggest disappoint I have with the exam preparation experience is with the CISSP's ten domains. The examination questions are based on 'good exam fodder' from topics in the ten domains. The topics lean towards an academic approach to security, rather then knowledge needed by a working security professional.
The other references I would strongly suggest to help to gain a security brain, as well as a high exam score include: Stephen Northcutt's `Inside Network Perimeter Security', Ross Anderson's `Security Engineering', and Syngress's `Special Ops'. Maybe I should take one of the SANS security exams, which are much more practical in nature.
And best of luck with the exam!

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Information Security Policies and Procedures: A Practitioner's Reference, Second Edition Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a useful book for me to reference, especially when I deal with challenges in security policy framework review. The most impressive pages include the tier 1-2-3 framework, proper wordings in policy, policy sample studies and analysis, complete checklist and questionnaire.
After reading this book or on-and-off reference, I always remember four major elements in a policy:
1.Topic
2.Scope
3.Responsibility
4.Compliance
In addition, I have shared this book with an IT supervisor, he always go for this book for the team reference. I do feel happy to recommend it. Moreover, it readily happens to me I could apply the hints and tips from this book to the revised policy. Meanwhile, compared with the company's policy, it is undoubted organized and logical.
Be honest, in reality, many people still always mix up policy, standard and procedures as well as guidelines and produce a "Spaghetti-like" document to deal with auditor and compliance once a year only, you could say, many companies treat it as a last-minute homework.


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Information Security Policies and Procedures: A Practitioner's Reference, Second Edition illustrates how policies and procedures support the efficient running of an organization. This book is divided into two parts, an overview of security policies and procedures, and an information security reference guide. This volume points out how security documents and standards are key elements in the business process that should never be undertaken to satisfy a perceived audit or security requirement. Instead, policies, standards, and procedures should exist only to support business objectives or mission requirements; they are elements that aid in the execution of management policies.
The book emphasizes how information security must be integrated into all aspects of the business process. It examines the 12 enterprise-wide (Tier 1) policies, and maps information security requirements to each. The text also discusses the need for top-specific (Tier 2) policies and application-specific (Tier 3) policies and details how they map with standards and procedures.
It may be tempting to download some organization's policies from the Internet, but Peltier cautions against that approach. Instead, he investigates how best to use examples of policies, standards, and procedures toward the achievement of goals. He analyzes the influx of national and international standards, and outlines how to effectively use them to meet the needs of your business.

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Cryptography : Theory and Practice Review

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(More customer reviews)As other people have pointed out, this is not a mathematics book, and it is not an algorithm (recipies) book. It could be a great book for people that are interested in learning these tools to actually use them, either in a research or product development context (something besides homework). Unfortunately, the number of typos, in key mathematical expressions AND PORTIONS OF THE EXPLANATIONS is staggering. Go to the author's web page and you will find that some chapters, like 4 for example, average more than one typo per page (and some of these 'typos' are full sentences, or math expressions that do not look like anything that is actually printed on the page). If you do not have that errata sheet handy, you will waste a lot of time trying to understand the text, or trying to solve the exercises. If you are trying to learn from this book, without attending a class and without the errata, you will simply give up. It is a real shame because it has all the makings of a great book.

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CISSP All-in-One Exam Guide, Fifth Edition Review

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(More customer reviews)There is no simple formula to prepare for the CISSP certification, and no single resource which can guarantee success on the certification exam since every applicant's background is unique. However, this book (fifth edition) was my only resource in preparing for the exam and I passed on my first attempt (April 24, 2010).
I spent 60+ hours in preparation for the exam... that's 60+ hours of DEDICATED individual study using this book and CD, not 60+ hours spent web surfing during lunch hours or commercial breaks. My recent background is in middle management, with 20 years experience in network architecture and data security, so I already had a firm technical foundation for the test areas dealing with protocols and encryption variations. I also have an MS in Computer Science. Nonetheless, the exam was so broad, with topics covering general principles and concepts, that I could have prepared twice as long and still left the exam with questions about the outcome.
My personal opinion is that formal classroom instruction, through one of the many organizations offering CISSP preparation courses, is a worthwhile companion to Shon Harris' book. A study group is also a good idea. You will not obtain CISSP certification if you take the exam without preparation. This book (fifth edition) was sufficient, but not 100% comprehensive, to prepare me for passing the CISSP test.
Note: Some reviewers do not appreciate Shon's frequent analogies and humor. Most of her analogies helped me internalize the complex topics, but that's my personal learning style. The efforts at humor were generally awful, but every once in a while she was subtle and brilliant enough to make me laugh out loud. Working through Shon's unique writing style was not a problem for me... I actually found it refreshing.

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Get complete coverage of the latest release of the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exam inside this comprehensive, fully updated resource. Written by the leading expert in IT security certification and training, this authoritative guide covers all 10 CISSP exam domains developed by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2). You'll find learning objectives at the beginning of each chapter, exam tips, practice exam questions, and in-depth explanations. Designed to help you pass the CISSP exam with ease, this definitive volume also serves as an essential on-the-job reference.
COVERS ALL 10 CISSP DOMAINS:
Information security and risk management
Access control
Security architecture and design
Physical and environmental security
Telecommunications and network security
Cryptography
Business continuity and disaster recovery planning
Legal regulations, compliance, and investigations
Application security
Operations security

THE CD-ROM FEATURES:
Hundreds of practice exam questions
Video training excerpt from the author
E-book

Shon Harris, CISSP, is a security consultant, a former member of the Information Warfare unit in the Air Force, and a contributing writer to Information Security Magazine and Windows 2000 Magazine. She is the author of the previous editions of this book.

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Security Administrator Street Smarts: A Real World Guide to CompTIA Security+ Skills Review

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(More customer reviews)Not an Exam Cram type of book, this book is aimed at giving newcomers to the security field a solid background and understanding of what the job entails. Only incidentally does this book follow the CompTIA Security+ certificate examination (Exam #SY0-101) recommendations and thus provide a dual purpose.
The book is organized into tenphases or major sections. Each phase then has a series of Tasks to be performed. The first phase is entitled 'The Grunt Work of Security.' In it you start by making a security assessment of your network. By phase 10 you have completed hardening, securing the storage, set up user accounts, protected against virus and other malware attacks and more. In phase 10 you study troubleshooting.
I found the book to be easy reading, and the phase/task approach worked well for me. It provides a well needed break in the reading. And let's face it, reading about security is a lot less exciting than reading about Harry Potter.

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A step-by-step guide to the tasks involved in security administration
If you aspire to a career in security administration, one of your greatest challenges will be gaining hands-on experience. This book takes you through the most common security admin tasks step by step, showing you the way around many of the roadblocks you can expect on the job. It offers a variety of scenarios in each phase of the security administrator's job, giving you the confidence of first-hand experience.
In addition, this is an ideal complement to the brand-new, bestselling CompTIA Security+ Study Guide, 5th Edition or the CompTIA Security+ Deluxe Study Guide, 2nd Edition, the latest offerings from Sybex for CompTIA's Security+ SY0-301 exam.
Targets security administrators who confront a wide assortment of challenging tasks and those seeking a career in security administration who are hampered by a lack of actual experience
Walks you through a variety of common tasks, demonstrating step by step how to perform them and how to circumvent roadblocks you may encounter
Features tasks that are arranged according to four phases of the security administrator's role: designing a secure network, creating and implementing standard security policies, identifying insecure systems in an existing environment, and training both onsite and remote users
Ideal hands-on for those preparing for CompTIA's Security+ exam (SY0-301)

This comprehensive workbook provides the next best thing to intensive on-the-job training for security professionals.

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CompTIA Security+: Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-201 Study Guide Review

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(More customer reviews)perfect! i love this book. i had the original microsoft security+ book for class, and this book covered WAY more than what that book did, and alot less pages. i'm going to take my security+ certification exam on the 18th of December. i'm feeling very confident, as this book says it covers 100% of the exam. i'm just hoping there's no scenarios on the test =p, just questions about what i learned in the book, lol.
EDIT: Passed my exam with a 865/900 with this book! About 2-3 tricky questions throughout the entire test but it was ALL familiar. There was absolutely NOTHING unfamiliar on this test that the book didn't cover! Thank you :)

Click Here to see more reviews about: CompTIA Security+: Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-201 Study Guide

CompTIA Security+ SY0-201: Get Certified, Get Ahead by Darril Gibson presents a comprehensive and all-inclusive approach for studying, preparing, and mastering the core competencies needed to pass the CompTIA Security+ SY0-201 exam.Learn from an expert in the field with over twenty years' experience in the IT arena.Over the years, author Darril Gibson has helped hundreds of students get certified, and has included in this text the time-tested information used in his successful classes.This manual covers one hundred percent of all exam objectives and includes real world examples of security principles in action.Also included are over 375 practice test questions with in-depth explanations. Written with clarity and efficiency, CompTIA Security+ SY0-201: Get Certified, Get Ahead is a one-stop shop for any IT professional interested in advancing in the IT field and a must read for anyone striving to master the basics of IT systems security.

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CISSP Practice Questions Exam Cram (2nd Edition) Review

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(More customer reviews)And I have always used and had success with Exam Cram/Prep products. Ever since I went to the methodology of Exam Cram + whatever the best on line testing software, I've never failed a test. That includes Novell, Microsoft (MCSE+I), CCNA (several times), A+, Network+ and Security+. The books have the required information in a readable format. Leading a CISSP group for my company and this is what I have them buy.
The standard for CISSP is the humongous Shon Harris book. To bad it is impossible to get folks to read that one. The DO read the Exam Cram.

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The Basics of Information Security: Understanding the Fundamentals of InfoSec in Theory and Practice Review

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(More customer reviews)There are a million basic security books out there and I've read a bunch of them at one time or another. This book does a great job of explaining the basics without getting bogged down with too much detail. I think one of the problems that I see in some of the other books is that they are either aimed at a certification (like the sec+) or are setup to be a heavy text book. Neither of these approaches is great for explaining the basic concepts of security in a general way. The author walks you through many of the fundamental ideas of security like CIA, authentication and crypto, then moves on to some applications of these ideas in areas like operating system security, network security and physical security, among others. One of my favorites was the chapter on operations security, something that I don't generally see covered in any detail in basic security books. Loved the book and I'm going to pick up a few copies for people at work that need some education in this area.

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As part of the Syngress Basics series, The Basics of Information Security provides you with fundamental knowledge of information security in both theoretical and practical aspects. It covers the basic knowledge needed to understand the key concepts of confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Then it dives into practical applications of these ideas in the areas of operational, physical, network, application, and operating system security.

Learn about information security without wading through huge manuals
Covers both theoretical and practical aspects of information security
Gives a broad view of the information security field for practitioners, students, and enthusiasts

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Network Security Bible Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a great book; it goes in great detail about security in all aspects of the computer industry. However it lacks one critical aspect, how do I do that? Like all network and computer professionals, I do not know everything, so when you tell me I should do something a certain way I'd hope that you will also tell me how to do it. With this book I found myself saying, maybe they will tell me what to do later, over and over, never happens. If you want to buy a book that's a reference manual, this is the one to get. If you are looking for a "how to" as well as a "what to look for" book, consider looking elsewhere.

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The comprehensive A-to-Z guide on network security, fully revised and updated

Network security is constantly evolving, and this comprehensive guide has been thoroughly updated to cover the newest developments. If you are responsible for network security, this is the reference you need at your side.
Covering new techniques, technology, and methods for approaching security, it also examines new trends and best practices being used by many organizations. The revised Network Security Bible complements the Cisco Academy course instruction in networking security.
Covers all core areas of network security and how they interrelate
Fully revised to address new techniques, technology, and methods for securing an enterprise worldwide
Examines new trends and best practices in use by organizations to secure their enterprises
Features additional chapters on areas related to data protection/correlation and forensics
Includes cutting-edge topics such as integrated cybersecurity and sections on Security Landscape, with chapters on validating security, data protection, forensics, and attacks and threats

If you need to get up to date or stay current on network security, Network Security Bible, 2nd Edition covers everything you need to know.

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