This book is half decent, but it assumes the reader knows a little more than a novice with a good backround in networking would know. The book gives good diagrams and descriptions for some algorithms but not all. Rating: 3 / 5

This is a very good book on network security. It is a bit too technical for leisure/work reading. I got this book because it is a required text for my graduate class. Rating: 5 / 5

This book is great. Hope the authors will plan to include wireless network security in the 3rd edition. Rating: 4 / 5

I’m using this book as a self-study reference. I’ve been an information security officer for a number of years and felt I needed to get a firmer grasp on the mathematics of cryptography and some areas that I’ve mentally glossed over.

This is an excellent book. The authors have a great sense of humor that appeals to me (a computer science type). Topics are understandable though there are certain areas that I needed to read several times before fully digesting. Their coverage of the various encryption schemes, message digests/hashes, MACs, etc are all top-notch.

This book is relatively old at this point (published in 2002). Thus, some recent things are missing: this book doesn’t mention *anything* about wireless security. TLS is mentioned as “coming soon.” Kerberos 5 is battling for supremacy with Kerberos 4. You get the idea.

My only other complaint: way too much ripping on IKE/ISAKMP. The workings of these protocols get lost in the authors’ complaints. I’ve studied that chapter once (taking notes) and didn’t get it. I’m about to do so a second time. Failing that, I’ll need to find another source for information. Rating: 5 / 5

An elegant and detailed text on cryptography and network security. A good starting point for beginners and a fine reference for domain experts. The writing style is crisp and, at times, quite humorous making the book an interesting read. Rating: 4 / 5