Recommended networking and security books?

Question

Could you please recommend me a book that would cover computer networking, protocols, information security?

Answer 1

As far as a thorough review of Internetworking protocols and applicable RFCs, I'd recommend the excellent TCP/IP Comprehensive (Which is quite comprehensive.)

Information Security is a difficult topic to completely cover in any one book, If you're looking for a review STRICTLY of network security, (I.E - Attacks and Defenses covering VLAN Hopping, FIN/SYN Firewalking, Assuming false STP root and Distributed Denial of Service, ARP Poisoning etc.) I've found the Cisco Networking Book line to be quite fine - All the way from CCNA Security to CCIE level attacks and defense (I'd be hard pressed to forget the CCSP 'level' book series - Network Security Companion.

If you're looking to do QA/Bughunting/App Analysis - Almost every issue of phrack dating from the 20s on has some modicum of use (Be sure to read the semi-notorious ~el8 magazine popularized by the TJX Breakin's very own Stephen Watt for a bit of hacking culture). The Shellcoder's Handbook provides even more in-depth look at Application Exploitability, Particularly non-typesafe language issues. Of course, The eminent (In my opnion) guide to QA and Bughunting alike - The Art of Software Security Assessment

As far as system's security goes, A good knowledge of the above with a keen eye for the Full-Disclosure and Bugtraq mailing list goes a long ways - Along with standard good sysadmin practice will keep you sharp.

Answer 2

Try Andy Tanenbaum's Computer Networks.

Answer 3

One of my favorite ( and most used ) networking books is Network Warrior

Answer 4

Unix Network Programming is a pretty famous book. I don't know what it contains related to security, but it's a good way to get started understanding how to write network software.

Answer 5

Since you didn't mention what kind of networking you're interested in (SCADA? Token Ring? Carrier Pigeons?) I'll assume you meant TCP/IP.

• TCP/IP Illustrated, volumes 1, 2 and 3 (WARNING: Reading those has been known to cause people's heads to explode)
• TCP/IP Guide (Read it online, but buy it to support the author)
• And maybe Security Warrior

Plenty more abound and Google will help you greatly.

Answer 6

I have alwyas found the Cisco Press books very useful. Cisco Press Books

I would think this would be a good place to start.

Answer 7

Without more detail about the specific networking fields you would like information on, I can only repeat my answer to this question:

W. Richard Stevens' books 'UNIX Network Programming' and 'TCP/IP Illustrated' are must reads, no matter which career you go with.

If you would like more detail on the underlying technologies and theory, 'Computer Networks', by Andrew Tanenbaum was the seminal text when I was studying; again, highly recommended.

Answer 8

You can start with this one : Cisco Networking Simplified, 2nd Edition

Even if you’ve never set up or managed a network, Cisco Networking Simplified, Second Edition, helps you quickly master the concepts you need to understand. Its full-color diagrams and clear explanations give you the big picture: how each important networking technology works, what it can do for you, and how they all fit together. The authors illuminate networking from the smallest LANs to the largest enterprise infrastructures, offering practical introductions to key issues ranging from security to availability, mobility to virtualization.

Answer 9

If your looking for a foundational book on networking and network protocols I would recommend Radia Perlman's Interconnections. Its a little dry but really digs into the most important networking concepts.

Answer 10

Security for Microsoft Windows System Administrators: Introduction to Key Information Security Concepts

It gives a very good overview of security concepts