The Art of Deception

The world’s most infamous hacker offers an insider’s view of the low-tech threats to high-tech security Kevin Mitnick’s exploits as a cyber-desperado and fugitive form one of the most exhaustive FBI manhunts in history and have spawned dozens of articles, books, films, and documentaries. Since his release from federal prison, in 1998, Mitnick has turned his life around and established himself as one of the most sought-after computer security experts worldwide. Now, in The Art of Deception, the world’s most notorious hacker gives new meaning to the old adage, “It takes a thief to catch a thief.”

Focusing on the human factors involved with information security, Mitnick explains why all the firewalls and encryption protocols in the world will never be enough to stop a savvy grifter intent on rifling a corporate database or an irate employee determined to crash a system. With the help of many fascinating true stories of successful attacks on business and government, he illustrates just how susceptible even the most locked-down information systems are to a slick con artist impersonating an IRS agent. Narrating from the points of view of both the attacker and the victims, he explains why each attack was so successful and how it could have been prevented in an engaging and highly readable style reminiscent of a true-crime novel. And, perhaps most importantly, Mitnick offers advice for preventing these types of social engineering hacks through security protocols, training programs, and manuals that address the human element of security.

Table of Contents

Part 1 Behind the Scenes

Chapter 1 Security’s Weakest Link

Part 2 The Art of the Attacker

Chapter 2 When Innocuous Information Isn’t

Chapter 3 The Direct Attack: Just Asking for It

Chapter 4 Building Trust

Chapter 5 “Let Me Help You”

Chapter 6 “Can You Help Me?”

Chapter 7 Phony Sites and Dangerous Attachments

Chapter 8 Using Sympathy, Guilt, and Intimidation

Chapter 9 The Reverse Sting

Part 3 Intruder Alert

Chapter 10 Entering the Premises

Chapter 11 Combining Technology and Social Engineering

Chapter 12 Attacks on the Entry-Level Employee

Chapter 13 Clever Cons

Chapter 14 Industrial Espionage

Part 4 Raising the Bar

Chapter 15 Information Security Awareness and Training

Chapter 16 Recommended Corporate Information Security Policies