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Reviews
Unmasking the Social Engineer: The Human Element of Security by Paul Ekman, Christopher Hadnagy
johnbreeden's review against another edition
3.0
Be Aware: This is not a good choice to do as an Audiobook
I would rate this: 3.8/5 - when audiobook issues are taken out of the equation.
Okay, that's out of the way. Overall, the information seems to be good and well researched. It is very much a textbook study in the non-verbal modes of expression people use and how those modes can be used by a social engineer to both read and influence others.
The biggest hurdle - and why it's not a candidate for Audiobook - is that several examples given directly reference images that are inaccessible for the listener. I think the points are valid, but I was not in a position to get a copy of the original text and reference the images while driving/reading.
I do appreciate the consistent references to further research and articles that would give more explanation and a deeper understanding of topics of interest.
I would rate this: 3.8/5 - when audiobook issues are taken out of the equation.
Okay, that's out of the way. Overall, the information seems to be good and well researched. It is very much a textbook study in the non-verbal modes of expression people use and how those modes can be used by a social engineer to both read and influence others.
The biggest hurdle - and why it's not a candidate for Audiobook - is that several examples given directly reference images that are inaccessible for the listener. I think the points are valid, but I was not in a position to get a copy of the original text and reference the images while driving/reading.
I do appreciate the consistent references to further research and articles that would give more explanation and a deeper understanding of topics of interest.
widely_read's review against another edition
3.0
This was an expensive book-- even for a Kindle ebook-- and I found it quite short! Not that it wasn't worth the money, just that the price communicated something to me that I didn't get when I ending up reading the book. However, I still think it is a good resource, if a bit thin. The photographs are well done and will help with using the book as a practical training manual.
This book focuses on some verbal, but mostly nonverbal communication indicators, how to read them, and a little on how to use them and what they mean for the social engineer, with some practical examples. All of this was good and interesting information, but I have to wonder if there is more there.
Also, reading the bios of people who helped with the book, but only had a few mentions-- well, the "Truth Wizard" who was referenced from the US Secret Service, from his vast experience, could have been quoted more, I think. I think the book would have benefitted more from his expertise in PSYOPS and investigations with more anecdotes, stories, and patterns he has noticed in his career. It seemed he was an underutilized resource.
It's worth noting, and the book says this as well, that there are some signals discussed that have a more Western and American cultural focus, when it comes to body language. That's something to keep in mind when reading it. More than that, there was some effort made to talk about differences between male and female nonverbal communication, but I felt that it could have been improved even more.
While the book mentions the "bad guy" social engineers and how knowing about their tactics will help in avoiding being a target, I wish there was more practical advice on how to notice when someone truly is making an approach (or, if there isn't, to have that said outright). I've read other books, however, that identify patterns in approaches and styles that help in this department.
This book focuses on some verbal, but mostly nonverbal communication indicators, how to read them, and a little on how to use them and what they mean for the social engineer, with some practical examples. All of this was good and interesting information, but I have to wonder if there is more there.
Also, reading the bios of people who helped with the book, but only had a few mentions-- well, the "Truth Wizard" who was referenced from the US Secret Service, from his vast experience, could have been quoted more, I think. I think the book would have benefitted more from his expertise in PSYOPS and investigations with more anecdotes, stories, and patterns he has noticed in his career. It seemed he was an underutilized resource.
It's worth noting, and the book says this as well, that there are some signals discussed that have a more Western and American cultural focus, when it comes to body language. That's something to keep in mind when reading it. More than that, there was some effort made to talk about differences between male and female nonverbal communication, but I felt that it could have been improved even more.
While the book mentions the "bad guy" social engineers and how knowing about their tactics will help in avoiding being a target, I wish there was more practical advice on how to notice when someone truly is making an approach (or, if there isn't, to have that said outright). I've read other books, however, that identify patterns in approaches and styles that help in this department.
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