Computer-Related Risks

This book was my first real introduction to the area of computer security. In it, Neumann set down a complete set of the problems that were appearing in the (mis)use of computers. Published in 1995, it was certainly an eye opener to the dangers of being lax in the use of computers. It was a bit scary when I read it, although at the time, I was optimistic that the danger could be managed. However, my position since then has changed in the negative sense. In rereading this book, it is clear that the dangers are the same and are greater in both breadth and depth. This book was written before the explosive growth of the Internet has turned nearly every computer into a potential node in an evil botnet. Also, the use of computers in the management of the modern world has dramatically expanded, increasing the possible ways in which danger can make an appearance. In looking through the risks, there is not a single one that has disappeared rather than increased in the level of the danger. Some examples are e-mail spoofs, insider misuse of data, denial of service attacks, threats to privacy, viruses and other malware, security vulnerabilities, computer errors in election results and financial fraud. And so it goes. If you are interested in looking back and seeing how little has changed in terms of the risks inherent with computer use, then read this book. It was and remains the original "canary in the coal" mine concerning the dangers that universal use of computers will generate.

Neumann, founder and moderator of the Internet Risk Forum, is the pope of the legitimate computer risks community. This is the bible.

This book is manages to be entertaining while discussing an important subject. The author's experience as a moderator of the risks forum provided him with authoritative knowledge, which is put to good use. The reading can light at times when the subject is catatrophic. Nevertheless, once you read this book, you'll understand that it's us - humans - that are at the center of all problems.