Secure Architectures with Openbsd

By Gerardus Blokdyk

"This book works in tandem with the OpenBSD's manual pages. As a result, it will help many users grow and get the most from the system." --Theo de Raadt, OpenBSD project leader. "The OpenBSD system intimidates many administrators who would benefit from using it. This book lets people start much higher up on the curve. Secure Architectures with OpenBSD not only presents the hows, but also shows some of the whys that only insiders know." -- Mike Frantzen , NFR Security " Secure Architectures with OpenBSD explains all of the tasks an administrator has to know about to successfully maintain an OpenBSD server. It helps the reader save time by condensing the vast amount of information available in man pages into a compact form, reducing unneeded information, and explaining other things in much more detail and prose than a man page can afford." -- Daniel Hartmeier , the OpenBSD Project "This book will become the de facto text for OpenBSD administration. Unix and BSD books abound, but none cover OpenBSD with the clarity and expertise of Palmer and Nazario. They explain the optimal way to configure and administer your OpenBSD machines, with a keen eye to security at all stages." -- Brian Hatch , coauthor of Hacking Exposed Linux and Building Linux Virtual Private Networks Descended from BSD, OpenBSD is a popular choice for those who demand stability and security from their operating system. No code goes into OpenBSD without first undergoing a rigorous security check, making it a terrific choice for Web servers, VPNs, and firewalls. Secure Architectures with OpenBSD is the insider's guide to building secure systems using OpenBSD. Written by Brandon Palmer and Jose Nazario, this book is a how-to for system and network administrators who need to move to a more secure operating system and a reference for seasoned OpenBSD users who want to fully exploit every feature of the system. After getting readers started with OpenBSD, the authors explain system configuration and administration, then explore more exotic hardware and advanced topics. Every chapter of the book addresses the issue of security because security is integrated into almost every facet of OpenBSD. Examples appear throughout the book, and the authors provide source code and system details unavailable anywhere else. This goes well beyond the basics and gives readers information they will need long after they have installed the system. Key topic coverage includes: Installation and upgrade details Basic system usage in OpenBSD versus other Unix systems Third-party software via packages and the ports tree SMTP services in OpenBSD Web services with Apache Using OpenBSD as a firewall OpenBSD as a Kerberos V client and server Use of Ipsec Configuration and use of IPv6 Network intrusion detection Secure Architectures with OpenBSD takes you inside OpenBSD, giving you the insights and expertise no system manual can provide. The companion Web site tracks advances and changes made to the operating system, and it contains updates to the book and working code samples. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0321193660
• ISBN13: 9780321193667
• Release Date: April 2004
• Publisher: Addison-Wesley Professional
• Length: 544 Pages
• Weight: 1.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.9" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Pretty good.

I bought this book based upon a positive review I read in Usenix's Login magazine. I've used OpenBSD for some minor things, but never really used it on any long term basis. I recently ordered the 3.8 release CDs and am interesting in delving further into it. With that backdrop, I bought this book. Overall, I think this book is pretty good. Along with some others who have read it, after having read it--I share some reservations...

Excellent on its own or as a companion to "Absolute OpenBSD"

About a year ago I read and reviewed Michael Lucas' excellent "Absolute OpenBSD." That book covered OpenBSD 3.2 and the CURRENT of that time, pre-3.3. Palmer and Nazario's "Secure Architectures with OpenBSD" (SAWO) addresses OpenBSD 3.4, which at the time of writing is just behind the current release (3.5). Lucas' book is an excellent introduction to OpenBSD by a relative outsider; SAWO is a more detailed discussion by...

Excellent book, somewhat misleading title

Before buying this book you need to understand a few facts about it:- at first glance the title may lead you to believe it's about securing OpenBSD - it's not. It is about using an inherently secure operating system, OpenBSD, to its best advantage.- you will need to be an experienced UNIX or Linux (or ideally OpenBSD) system admin to get the most out of the content.- it is intended to be used in conjunction with OpenBSD man...

If you run OpenBSD, this book will stay within arms reach

Most of the information is available from other sources and if your run OpenBSD and want to keep 50 howtos and a couple general books on Unix handy you can do without this book. However, I am lazy and I like having the information I need at my fingertips with syntax that works the first time on the operating system I am using.The authors and Addison Wesley are to be congratulated for the fantastic layout, the "code" examples...