Die Kunst Des Human Hacking: Social Engineering (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
An easy read. The audience is not clear, but I do not believe it needs to be. The fact that the author repeatedly talks throughout about techniques you can use to social engineer, but then closes the book out with a chapter on "Prevention and Mitigation" highlighted, to me, that the book was designed more as a wake-up call to those, like the CEO he mentions in one of his case study, that believe themselves immune from the potentially negative effects of social engineering. I find it interesting that the author talks at length about the use of cloned sites and the use of malicious code on websites as a tool for the social engineer, and then directs the reader to specific sites, and .pdf files throughout the book. I am not sure if I am imputing too much to the author's strategy in writing the book, but the willingness to look at those websites and find those .pdfs to be an interesting example of social engineering in and of itself.In summ: the book was depressingly informative and thought provoking. I think that it does offer an effective wake-up call, but can also have the effect of making those prone to paranoia flip-out. I also note the irony of writing a review of a social engineering book on a website which in turn is an avenue for social engineering. I'm not so sure what to think. In one hand, it was a really amazing reading, so much advices that can change the way you communicate and maintain relationships with people. Understanding what motivates a person can be a life-improving knowledge. In the other hand, all the dark side of manipulation, like producing emotional breakdowns to your target, or fear of damage, can lead you to obscure and unethical behavior. This book is so much more than just "hacking" people, or manipulating them. It teaches you about the principles of psychological mindsets that drives a person. This was a really nice reading. Totally mind-blowing. I loved it.
What do You think about Die Kunst Des Human Hacking: Social Engineering (2011)?
This book is for newbies so if you have read books about the subject this book will not help you.
—amal
Interesting book. Good use of examples to help reader understand concepts.
—santra
