The art of deception : controlling the human element of security

The world's most infamous hacker provides an insider's perspective on low-tech threats to high-tech security. Kevin Mitnick's exploits as a fugitive led to one of the most extensive FBI manhunts in history, inspiring numerous articles, films, and documentaries. Since his release from prison in 1998, he has transformed his life and become a highly sought-after computer security expert. In this work, Mitnick emphasizes the human factors in information security, arguing that firewalls and encryption alone cannot thwart a determined grifter or a disgruntled employee. Through captivating true stories of successful attacks on businesses and government, he demonstrates the vulnerability of even the most secure systems to a skilled con artist posing as an authority figure. By narrating from both the attackers' and victims' perspectives, he reveals the reasons behind each attack's success and how they could have been avoided, all in an engaging style reminiscent of true crime. Most importantly, Mitnick offers practical advice for preventing social engineering hacks through effective security protocols, training programs, and manuals that focus on the human element of security.