Most programmers are, I think, quite capable of designing and building software to a set of specifications. However, most would not, in the process, also try to

Most programmers are, I think, quite capable of designing and building software to a set of specifications. However, most would not, in the process, also try to think of all the ways in which users and attackers would try to break their software. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to security issues in general and particular ways in which systems can be broken (and protected). It is not prescriptive by any means but reading it provides a level of security awareness that is frequently lacking. Knuth once wrote that before he writing tests for his programs, he puts himself in the meanest, nastiest mood he is capable of. I believe that this book can a similar purpose ,in the security context, for those of us to whom deviousness and cunning do not come naturally.