Editor Reviews:

Product Description:
If you believe that an intrusion detection system, regular vulnerability scanning, automated network device inventory, or firewall usage statistics are not in the IT budget, they are. All of these features and many more are available for free. A wide variety of quality security products are out there and available for use absolutely free of charge. All one needs is a little know how, some helpful examples like the ones in this book, and a desire to have a secure network.

This book shows you how to secure your network from top to bottom without spending a penny on security software using best of breed open source software including Snort, Nessus, and Ethereal. This book is a comprehensive step-by-step guide to securing your network using freely available software. It discusses the pros and cons of using some of the free software and also demonstrate the installation, configuration, and use of the software to secure your network. It is intended as a one-stop manual for network security for those on a budget, or those simply wanting to increase their network knowledge. This book covers all aspects of securing your network. It discusses the business case for using open source and free software security solutions. It also touches upon the various free options to cover a given security concern, and then walk through an actual implementation using the best of breed product, providing actual real-world examples.

Rating : - Excellent starting point for someone wanting to use free security tools in the workplace
I think this book is the only one to cover such a broad variety of free security tools. It focuses in particular on the pros and cons of using them in a business setting, including details such as the availability of support, functionality, and ease of use.

There are some very useful grids or feature matrices when a specific product category offers multiple solutions. These are very useful as they allow you to tell at a glance which products have what features. From there you can quickly rule out the products which do not meet your needs.

Grab one at a book store and flip through it, the writing is easy to digest and "friendly" without sounding too clinical.