Very easy to read, very fun and interesting! I'm more into databases but the way everything integrates now in the current IT world, I realized that I need to get a better understanding of how to protect my database servers (or provide additional value to my Projects), network or at least, being able to discuss about security with my network team without feeling lost. This books is about how to protect yourself from the very "nasty" and "wild" Internet world we all are living in. It will change your false sense of security at work or home, trust me! Even though this is not an in-depth volume about PEN testing tools or techniques, this book delivers what is promised on the cover and much more!
All chapters are very coherent, meticously structured and nicely integrated between each other thanks to the PEN test process it follows. There are even suggestions about how to test all the examples in a secure and practical way. Of course, a virtual lab using any of the virtualization technologies is highly advised. The author suggests VMware, I used Parallels, but there are several free tools out there including Virtual PC or VirtualBox, both are free as well.
The book uses Metasploit framework/software for its examples but makes strong emphasize on concepts rather than tools, which it is very good in my opinion because whatever is being taught can be later extrapolated using other tools. PEN test is more a process than mere scripts and tools. I also like the fact that you don't need a very strong knowledge on networking, cryptography or C++ in order to understand this book. Instead It relies on easy vocabulary with lot of examples and screen-shoots that help almost anyone who is new into this field (a basic knowledge of Linux won't hurt though, that made it easy for me to understand some commands)
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Once you're done with this one I recommend these two books: Metasploit: The Penetration Tester's Guide, by David Kennedy and Nmap Cookbook: The Fat-free Guide to Network Scanning. The 1st one expands a bit more on the Metasploit software and its components, which are briefly explained on the Syngress book. The Nmap cookbook, talks about nmap scanning tool and different switches you can use when working on the scanning phase; nmap cookbook is not a theory book, but visual examples of how to use the tool depending of the target or desired goal