How Cybersecurity Really Works: A Hands-On Guide for Total Beginners

  • 3h 58m
  • Sam Grubb
  • No Starch Press
  • 2021

How Cybersecurity Really Works is the perfect introduction to cybersecurity. Whether you’re a computer science student or a business professional, it will teach you the basics without all the jargon.

This beginners guide covers different types of attacks, common tactics used by online adversaries, and defensive strategies you can use to protect yourself. You’ll learn what security professionals do, what an attack looks like from a cybercriminal’s viewpoint, and how to implement sophisticated cybersecurity measures on your own devices.

In addition, you’ll find explanations of topics like malware, phishing, and social engineering attacks, coupled with real-world examples and hands-on exercises to help you apply what you’ve learned. You’ll explore ways to bypass access controls, prevent infections from worms and viruses, and protect your cloud accounts from attackers.

You’ll also learn how to:

  • Analyze emails to detect phishing attempts
  • Use SQL injection to attack a website
  • Examine malware from the safety of a sandbox environment
  • Use the command line to evaluate and improve your computer and network security
  • Deploy encryption and hashing to protect your files
  • Create a comprehensive risk management plan

You can’t afford to ignore cybersecurity anymore, but attackers won’t wait while you read a long technical manual. That’s why How Cybersecurity Really Works teaches you just the essentials you need to think beyond antivirus and make the right decisions to keep the online monsters at bay.

About the Author

Sam Grubis a cybersecurity consultant for a managed service provider that works with a large variety of clients. He has six years of experience teaching cybersecurity to both adults and teenagers and holds several cybersecurity certifications, including the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification.

In this Book

  • An Introduction to Cybersecurity
  • Attack Targets on the Internet
  • Phishing Tactics
  • Malware Infections
  • Password Thefts and Other Account Access Tricks
  • Network Tapping
  • Attacks in the Cloud
  • Wireless Network Pirating
  • Encryption Cracking
  • How to Defeat Black Hats