Cybersecurity for Small Networks: A Guide for the Reasonably Paranoid

nice content

Basically,it does just what it says. Something just about anyone can do to protect a small network, including a discussion on backups.

I wanted to like this book and used similar guides from the same publisher. However, I found the instructions were not easy to follow. Perhaps the author is working off an older version of VMWare or Ubuntu. For example, taking a snapshot in VMWare is only possible in VMWare Pro (p 16), and the instructions never mention this. His instructions and commands don't always work in the latest version of the Ubuntu terminal. I had to use AI LLMs to correct the commands and get them to work properly.In addition, he presupposes that you will set up VMWare Pro (paid version) and invest more money in things to beef up your security. It would be nice if he gave options to people with low budgets and low-risk assets.

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Seth Enoka’s Cyber Security for Small Networks: A Guide to the Reasonable Paranoid is a practical guide to safeguarding home and small-business networks from cyber threats. This easy-to-follow tutorial walks readers through essential security measures, from building firewalls with pfSense to configuring VPNs for encrypted connections. The book covers a range of topics, including wireless network security, network segmentation, proxy server setup, ad blocking, antivirus installation, data backup strategies, and network intrusion detection. While experienced cybersecurity professionals may find some familiar ground, beginners will appreciate the clear, step-by-step approach. Key highlights include in-depth discussions on malware removal, backup best practices, and network monitoring techniques. Whether you’re a tech-savvy individual or a small business owner, this book provides the knowledge and tools to strengthen your network’s defenses against cyberattacks

Very well written, Seth.Not unreasonably paranoid. Just concerned.Kind of pricey tho' for a DIY with insuffient detail in key areas.I give it 5 [almost 6!] stars, until I read the part about having to buy a firewall gadget to complete your design for the network security model. Note that the 'take a peek' at the book's pages does NOT show this rather crucial item that is keystone to the book's purpose and instructive. Not even a clue.Minus 2 stars for that, but I commend the details the author provides and the clarity of explanations.The page count is kind of low [just under 200 pgs]...but that is because the author does not give the details on how you could diy complete the security model WITHOUT the recommended ($200 to $800) netgate hardware firewall gadget (basically a PC/Ethernet switch on steroids), claiming that the setup details (for a generic equivalent gadget) are too complex. Really??It may be for the better however, because if this information was in the public domain then the hackers would have it too and then the whole enchilada would soon be redundant. -if it isn't already.Oops, my paranoia...

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My title line says it all. The author has some pretty good suggestions, if you can implement them.Computer security is a tough nut to crack these days, for the casual user, with limited resources.