Cyber Security Foundations - by Keith Martin & Konstantinos Mersinas & Guido Schmitz & Jassim Happa

About the Book

Develop knowledge of core cyber security principles and their real-world applications with this essential textbook.

Book Synopsis

Cyber Security Foundations introduces the core topics that all cyber security students and future professionals need to understand the cyber security landscape. It is a key textbook for postgraduate and undergraduate students taking modules related to cyber security and information security, as well as for general readers seeking to deepen their understanding of technical and human-centred digital security concepts.

Features include:
- Chapters on core areas such as cryptography, computer security, cyber security management, cybercrime and privacy, informed by the CyBOK knowledge areas
- Demonstration of how the many facets of the discipline interrelate, allowing readers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the cyber security landscape
- Real-world examples to illustrate the application of ideas
- Learning outcomes and activities to help reinforce learning and exploration beyond the core text, and a glossary to equip readers with the language necessary to make sense of each topic

Review Quotes

"Cyber Security Foundations provides a clear and comprehensive roadmap to understanding the essential principles of cyber security."-- "Professor Debi Ashenden, Director of the Institute for Cyber Security, University of New South Wales, Australia"

"Cyber Security Foundations is an accessible and engaging introduction to cyber security, aimed at those new to the topic as well as for readers looking to broaden their knowledge. It provides excellent coverage of this broad discipline, building on the authors' many years of combined experience of teaching and researching in this field. An excellent first introduction to cyber security!"-- "Professor Steve Schneider, Director of Computer Science Research Centre, University of Surrey, UK"

"Cyber Security Foundations presents readers with an accessible and engaging tour through the landscape of key topics in cyber security. It offers a means to build knowledge and understanding of both technical and non-technical aspects, with each chapter containing clear learning objectives and relevant supporting examples and exercises. The resulting book delivers a means to understand cyber security in its wider context, forming a valuable reference for those already interested in the issues, as well as a route into it for those without prior background in the area."-- "Professor Steven Furnell, Professor of Cyber Security, University of Nottingham, UK"

"A fresh and clear guiding thread, crafted to help cybersecurity newcomers confidently navigate the complexities of the field!"-- "Professor Panagiotis Papadimitratos, Professor of Software and Computer Systems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden"

"Fundamentals, technology and society: this book does exactly what it says on the tin! It provides a broad but precise coverage of the fundamental principles and technology of cyber security while not shying away from discussing societal aspects of cyber security, from cybercrime to usable security. The book's breadth-over-depth approach, but without compromising rigour, hits the right note and should appeal to students, professionals and the curious reader alike."-- "Professor Carlos Cid, Director of Simula UiB Cyber Security Research Centre, Bergen, Norway"

"The authors of this book have a lot of experience of teaching people about cyber security and it shows. If you want to understand the main dimensions of cyber security, this is the book for you. It covers the long-term principles with up-to-date examples, so it's easy to follow but gives you a great foundation in the topics that matter."-- "Professor Andrew Martin, Professor of Systems Security, University of Oxford, UK"

"This book is a great guide to navigate the complex maze of cybersecurity. It helps aspiring experts to orient themselves and demystifies the topic for a broader audience. The exercises complete the picture and make the book a valuable teaching resources. Overall, the authors have pulled off a tour-de-force by writing a highly accessible introduction to this ever more important topic."-- "Professor Bart Preneel, Full Professor, University of Leuven, Belgium"

"This book is an essential resource for any master's student studying cyber security. Aligned with the CyBOK, it covers the core concepts that are essential for those looking to advance in this field. I particularly liked the structure used for each chapter, starting with clear learning objectives, followed by an in-depth exploration of fundamental topics, then highlighting key points, suggested exercises and further reading. The exercises are really well-suited for incorporating into taught modules, providing practical and challenging tasks that reinforce the material covered in each chapter. Overall, this book is a valuable addition to any cyber security curriculum."-- "Dr Natalie Coull, Head of Division of Cyber Security in the School of Design and Informatics, Abertay University, UK"

"This comprehensive guide on cybersecurity expertly bridges specialized knowledge across a wide range of areas, making it an invaluable resource for college and university programs. In an era where interconnected knowledge is crucial, this book fulfils the vital need for cohesive and accessible cybersecurity education."-- "Professor Rei Safavi-Naini, NSERC/Telus Industrial Research Chair and Alberta Innovates Strategic Chair in Information Security. University of Calgary, Canada"

"This foundational cyber security guide is an excellent resource for both cyber and non-cyber students, offering clear explanations of essential concepts. The content is well-structured, making complex topics accessible without oversimplification. A standout feature is the Key Points Summary at the end of each chapter, which reinforces key takeaways effectively. Additionally, the exercises provided encourage critical thinking and practical application, ensuring readers engage actively with the material. The balance of theory and real-world relevance makes this an invaluable introductory text for students looking to develop a strong understanding of cyber security fundamentals. Highly recommended for beginners and educators alike."-- "Dr. Harjinder Singh Lallie, University Reader (Cyber Security), University of Warwick"

About the Author

Keith Martin is a Professor of Information Security at Royal Holloway, University of London, UK, and director of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Cyber Security for the Everyday.

Jassim Happa is a Senior Lecturer in Information Security at Royal Holloway, University of London, UK.

Konstantinos Mersinas is a Senior Lecturer in Information Security at Royal Holloway, University of London, UK.

Guido Schmitz is an Assistant Professor in Computer Science and Cyber Security at Lancaster University Leipzig.