Reviewed by: BigAl
Genre: Non-Fiction
Approximate word count: 110-115,000 words
Availability
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on a YES above to go to appropriate page in Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or
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Author:
Max Nomad
is an entrepreneur and computer security expert with over 20 years of
experience in the field.
Description:
“ … a tech survival guide for anyone
whose business and personal life is connected to the Internet. This friendly,
novice-oriented reference uses the frightening -- and often campy -- Zombie
Apocalypse as an allegory for the dangers of cyberspace.
Written for
PC and Mac users, Surviving the Zombie
Apocalypse is an armchair safari into the world of cybercrime. Readers will
learn how to protect themselves through cautionary tales and insider
explanations that take the mystery out of how these things work: how computer
viruses and malware are part of a multi-billion dollar industry, how stolen
credit cards pop up thousands of miles away without leaving their wallets, and
how easily our computers can be used to commit crimes without our knowledge.
Business managers will enjoy real-world strategies for preventing data theft
and other digital disasters, along with cybercriminal secrets such as how even
the best network security can be defeated with a phone call.”
Appraisal:
The concept
of this book is straightforward. Its aim is to give those who need to know
about computer security, but who are not technologically sophisticated, the
bare bones of what they need. It is aimed at the small business owner without staff
who has the technical expertise required and individuals who have one or more
computers and other devices that access the internet. In other words, everyone
who might read this review.
The book
consists of three main kinds of content. First are the zombie stories. Zombies
in popular entertainment are mentioned, not only as a break from tech-speak for
any reader whose brain is about to explode, but also discussion of the undead
is used to illustrate some of the technical issues in a manner that will
hopefully be more accessible to the target audience. Next is the technical
content, simplified enough to be understandable to a layperson, but detailed
enough to explain why this area is important, what needs to be done (even if
that is sometimes to hire an expert), and enough explanation to decide whether
this applies to your situation. Last, many areas have stories from Nomad’s
personal experience to illustrate the risks and consequences of ignoring computer
security.
Which
leaves us with the question of how well does the book do in meeting the goal of
informing the individual or small business owner of the basics of computer
security? I found the zombie stories sometimes helped and other times
detracted. A reader more into zombies than I am might feel differently. I’ve
worked in the IT field longer than the author, but unlike him, my expertise
isn’t in security. The cliché that I know just enough to be dangerous is
probably true, but I think I know just enough to spot any major issues as well.
Much of what he advises I know is correct and the portion I don’t know was at
least credible. I don’t think he’s going to lead you astray. His stories of
hackers run amuck were entertaining, at least to this computer nerd.
However,
this book really needs a through polishing from a qualified copyeditor and
proofreader. There were numerous typos, grammar issues, and other opportunities
for tightening of prose. It didn’t fall short in what was presented, but could
use much improvement in the actual presentation.
Format/Typo Issues:
Way too
many copyediting and proofreading misses.
Rating: *** Three Stars
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