Computer Security Handbook, Fifth Edition

INTRODUCTION TO PART I

FOUNDATIONS OF COMPUTER SECURITY

The foundations of computer security include answers to the superficially simple question “What is this all about?” Our first part establishes a technological and historical context for information assurance so that readers will have a broad understanding of why information assurance matters in the real world. Chapters focus on principles that will underlie the rest of the text: historical perspective on the development of our field; how to conceptualize the goals of information assurance in a well-ordered schema that can be applied universally to all information systems; computer hardware and network elements underlying technical security; history and modern developments in cryptography; and how to discuss breaches of information security using a common technical language so that information can be shared, accumulated, and analyzed.

Readers also learn or review the basics of commonly used mathematical models of information security concepts and how to interpret survey data and, in particular, the pitfalls of self-selection in sampling about crimes. Finally, the first section of the text introduces elements of law (U.S. and international) applying to information assurance. This legal framework from a layman's viewpoint, provides a basis for understanding later chapters; in particular, when examining privacy laws and management's fiduciary responsibilities.

Chapter titles and topics in Part I include:

1. Brief History and Mission ...