Dissecting the Hack: The F0rb1dd3n Network, Revised Edition

by Jayson E. Street, Kent Nabors, Brian Baskin

Dissecting the The F0rb1dd3n Network, Revised Edition , deals with hackers and hacking. The book is divided into two parts. The first part, entitled “The F0rb1dd3n Network,” tells the fictional story of Bob and Leon, two kids caught up in an adventure where they learn the real-world consequence of digital actions. The second part, “Security Threats Are Real” (STAR), focuses on these real-world lessons.

The F0rb1dd3n Network can be read as a stand-alone story or as an illustration of the issues described in STAR. Throughout The F0rb1dd3n Network are “Easter eggs”―references, hints, phrases, and more that will lead readers to insights into hacker culture. Drawing on The F0rb1dd3n Network, STAR explains the various aspects of reconnaissance; the scanning phase of an attack; the attacker’s search for network weaknesses and vulnerabilities to exploit; the various angles of attack used by the characters in the story; basic methods of erasing information and obscuring an attacker’s presence on a computer system; and the underlying hacking culture.

Genres: Technology, Nonfiction, Hackers, Crime

360 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2009

Reviews

[Russ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book! Very entertaining, although not very technical, the story is fairly exciting. Its a very fun and easy read if you are looking for something to read for pleasure. The security section (more technical section after the story) was pretty good but is fairly basic and geared towards beginners.

I think it would be a good book to give to someone who needs to know the value of computer security without making them read a boring textbook. Although, I suppose if you were not familiar with the technical aspects of computing you might have a little bit of trouble understanding certain parts of the story but I think even nontechnical readers would be able to at least get the general idea of whats going on in those technical parts. I know that many (nontechnical) people don't know very much about computers and why security is important (which makes them think the security guy wears a tinfoil hat) so maybe reading this would be a bit of an eye opener?

[Muhammad Khan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is interesting in that although it tells a fictional story of how two hackers innocently accidentally fall upon and prevent a serious threat to national security, everything about the technology is all real, and explained in good enough detail to make anyone interested in security threats, wanting to learn more. The book is divided into two parts: Part story, Part references. The references can be used again and again to sharpen your skills in being more security conscious or paranoid in your every day activity, beware of the bit-trail you leave behind.

[Magen Wu · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story portion of the book is fun, interesting and engaging. There are lots of Easter eggs, which were fun when you spotted them. The STAR section of the book is also really interesting and fun to follow along with on your own machine.

[Rohit Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is techie novel i loved to the core. If you know a little about hacks it makes the book most enjoyable. Definately Jayson is passionate about technology.

A good light read for the weekend. Whats the next hack is what i kept asking the whole weekend i read it. :)

[Daniel Mihai Popescu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing unusual, but a little bit boring. It's a technical book for newbies...

[Oskar Gunnarsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute story painting an understandable picture of thrests, defences, methods and some culture. A good story.