Driving on the information highway, users face threats ranging from worms to scams. The Essential Computer Security: Everyone’s Guide to Email, Internet, and Wireless Security can serve as the owner’s manual for anyone serious about ensuring the security of their computer and the data contained therein. Many victims of identity theft could undoubtedly have protected themselves had they followed the basic rules outlined in the book.

Essential Computer Security does not attempt to be an encyclopedic work covering the esoteric realms of computer security. Rather, author Tony Bradley takes a “just the facts” approach and covers the essentials, focusing on the two applications average consumers use most: e-mail and the Internet.

In 12 lucid, easy-to-read chapters, Bradley covers all of the necessary topics end-users need to understand, from the basics of Microsoft Windows security to passwords, patching, malware, wireless, e-mail security, and more.

The text does have a technical angle for readers who want that level of detail.

Too few IT security books are written for the typical user. This work lives up to its title and fills an important need. (Published by Syngress Publishing, www.elsevier.com [2] (Web); 360 pages, $29.95.)

Reviewed by Ben Rothke, CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), a senior security consultant with the IT company BT INS.

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