Hardening Linux

Hacking Linux Exposed, Second Edition

Linux Network Administrator's Guide

Linux Firewalls (3rd Edition)

Linux iptables Pocket Reference

Networking And System Administration

Linux Network Security (Administrator's Advantage Series)

Format: Paperback
Author: Peter G Smith
ReleaseDate: March, 2005
Publisher: Charles River Media
Rating:

A linux system is secure if you can depend on it and its software to behave as you expect
But in this book as many other books, does not address these topics in sufficient detail. The focus of this book is not on formal definitions and theoricals models so much as it is on practical form.

Instead, this book emphasizes the use of the security applications, as well as how the applications work and why they are necessary and many other interesting topics.

Yes, this is not the best book about security in linux servers, but yes is a good book for beginners and intermediate users using small LANs.
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One of the better books on this subject
It covers the basics of security in general (weak passwords, key logging, Trojans, network topology, etc. If you are a network administrator who needs to get a quick handle on Linux security this would be a very good choice.) as well as security issues that are specific to Linux.

It does a good job of explaining how Iptables are used in a firewall and how to tune the network. Linux Network Security does appear to thoroughly cover all the basic system security considerations including the passwd file, shadowing, enforcing security, using PAM, and SUDO security. The best part of the book is when the author gets to how to choose an appropriate distribution, use a chroot jail, and protect memory.

In addition to the basic Linux security common to all distributions the author discusses role based access control, the Linux Intrusion Detection System, and the secure Linux distribution SeLinux. The book ends with sections on securing the most common services for Linux - Apache, SSH, NFS, NIS, DNS, BIND, and FTP. It also includes a section on keeping your system secure using Tripwire.

If you need additional help on specific issues there are six appendixes which cover recompiling the kernel, kernel configuration for networking, firewall scripts, and cryptography. This book is obviously intended for the Linux network administrator, but the level of knowledge assumed is somewhat confusing. For some pieces it seems to assume no prior knowledge (like Chapters 1 and 2) and for other areas it seems to assume some basic prior understanding of Linux (although admittedly minimal). Keep in mind that there are whole books on some of these items (like securing Apache) so there is obviously much more detailed information available if you have a specific need. Linux Network Security is highly recommended to network administrators who are dealing with a basic file and print sharing network or who need a solid overview of Linux security and some of the security problems with common services. .

lots of info
the first couple of chapters are a whistle stop tour of the all the ways a linux box can be hacked, and the rest of the book describes how to fix these problems. despite its smallish size (550 pages) this book is packed full of useful info. most of the book is intermediate level, but a couple of the later chapters are more advanced. but i think this is a good thing because it means the book goes into much more detail than most others.