Linux Firewalls Book Review

Linux Firewalls is a comprehensive thoroughly written guide for utilizing and optimizing ipchains and ipfwadm on the Linux operating system. Linux Firewalls contains years of experience, thorough research and aggressive testing scenarios to comprise an all-in-one book for conceptualizing, building and testing a rock solid rule based, deny, accept, reject policy Firewall.

Now more than ever, Firewalls are needed not only for business but also for the home. In the days of residential dial-up Internet access, Firewall protection was not a necessity because you would have to dial-in and then disconnect a modem with a 28.8 - 56k connection speed. Today with high speed residential Internet access, computers are connected to the Internet 24/7 via cable modems and xDSL, this can be highly detrimental for an unprotected system.

In a Packet

Linux Firewalls is a valuable addition to your Network Security Library, from a knowledgeable newbie Linux user to the versed expert, this book covers all the bases. One of the great benefits of this book is how Robert has structured the information, he does not simply tell how to do something, but rather gives a conceptual visual representation of a scenario, explains the vulnerabilities and how to secure them and all with the supporting command syntax. Another great benefit is that all the mini script examples in Linux Firewalls are all set up with global variables, meaning, by changing one part of the script the rest of the script does not need to be changed. This can be very handy when dynamic content needs to be assigned to certain variables like an ethernet adapter with a Dynamic IP Address. With the script examples you can get all your services and rules in place for the start of your Firewall. Linux Firewalls has setups including multiple segmented Firewalls with multiple subnets and DMZ zones, choke Firewalls, etc. Some of the configurations are not for the faint at heart or the impatient, but be assured if you follow this books lead you are sure to have a killer Firewall inplace.

Linux Firewalls has gone through the steps of getting your services secured, networks defined and your policy rules set, it also goes through the good practices of running the Firewall to make sure old policies are flushed and new policies are loaded correctly. Some of these practices include using built-in (built-in Linux shell commands) tools for listing ipchains rules, monitoring specific network interface tcp & udp port connection states and listing and modifying the system's tcp/ip routing configuration. This is essential information when it comes time to configure monitors or alarms that you may want to setup on your Firewall and also for quick snap shot views of what is happening on your network..

To make everything complete, Linux Firewalls finishes up superbly by going over Intrusion Detection Reporting and System Integrity Checks. A Firewall needs to have the ability to log anything and everything, and if a problem arises the Firewall administrator needs to know immediately. Robert explains how the reporting should be done and also why!

As an extra, Linux Firewalls Appendixes include Security Resources with links to their web sites in which contain security tools, Firewall Examples with the supporting scripts (text scripts - NO CD included) and also a healthy glossary of Networking, Firewalling and Security terms and definitions.

All in All, Robert Ziegler has put together an excellent book from start to finish in the wonderful word Linux Firewall Securities.

For more information on Linux Firewalls and Securities visit Roberts Site at: http://www.linux-firewall-tools.com/linux/

Ratings

Beginers: 7
Intermediate: 9
Expert: 9
Up to Date: 9
Technical Content: 10
Dollar Value: 10

Over All Rating: 9.5

Great Penguin Power!!

Book Information

Title: Linux Firewalls
Author: Robert L. Ziegler
Publisher: New Riders
Date Published: November, 1999
ISBN: 0-7357-0900-9
LOCN: QA76.76.O63S754 1992
LCCCN: 99-65384
Pages: 470

Current Street Price: $39.99 USA / $59.99 CAN / £28.99 Net UK