The Art of Deception

The world's most infamous hacker offers an insider's view of thelow-tech threats to high-tech security
Kevin Mitnick's exploits as a cyber-desperado and fugitive form oneof the most exhaustive FBI manhunts in history and have spawneddozens of articles, books, films, and documentaries. Since hisrelease from federal prison, in 1998, Mitnick has turned his lifearound and established himself as one of the most sought-aftercomputer security experts worldwide. Now, in The Art of Deception,the world's most notorious hacker gives new meaning to the oldadage, "It takes a thief to catch a thief."
Focusing on the human factors involved with information security,Mitnick explains why all the firewalls and encryption protocols inthe world will never be enough to stop a savvy grifter intent onrifling a corporate database or an irate employee determined tocrash a system. With the help of many fascinating true stories ofsuccessful attacks on business and government, he illustrates justhow susceptible even the most locked-down information systems areto a slick con artist impersonating an IRS agent. Narrating fromthe points of view of both the attacker and the victims, heexplains why each attack was so successful and how it could havebeen prevented in an engaging and highly readable style reminiscentof a true-crime novel. And, perhaps most importantly, Mitnickoffers advice for preventing these types of social engineeringhacks through security protocols, training programs, and manualsthat address the human element of security.