"The authors . . . bring wide-ranging experience to this work, moving from theory to hands-on, bit-shoveling practical advice." -Steven M. Bellovin

A serious security sourcebook for Web professionals and users.

The front door is unlocked and wide open. The alarm's not working and no one's home. All of your valuables, money, and intimate details of your life are just sitting inside, waiting to be taken. No, it's not your house . . . it's your computer.

The Web now penetrates every aspect of our lives, from the home PC to the business office. But with each advance in convenience comes a geometric increase in vulnerability to the integrity of data and software as well as to the confidentiality of information. Although the flaws inherent in the Web are real, solutions are available. Let Aviel Rubin, Daniel Geer, and Marcus Ranum give you the answers.

Here's a book that's valuable today and indispensable for the future. It includes basic and advanced techniques for client-side and server-side security, browser security, writing secure CGI scripts, firewalls, and secure e-commerce. There's a special appendix that demystifies the complex world of cryptography. And the book comes with access to a dedicated Web site containing up-to-the-minute information on the latest security threats and solutions.

So whether you're a Webmaster trying to close the door on sites and applications, or an everyday user hoping to keep your desktop safe, this is your essential source on:

* Protecting and securing Web pages, search engines, servers, and browsers

* Writing impregnable applets and scripts, and avoiding the dangers inherent in every language

* Using (and abusing) firewalls and cryptographic controls

* Securing commerce and payment transactions