Cyberjutsu cover

Cyberjutsu

Cybersecurity for the Modern Ninja
by Ben McCarty
April 2021, 264 pp.
ISBN-13: 
9781718500549

Download Chapter 13: WORM AGENT


Cyberjutsu is a practical cybersecurity field guide based on the techniques, tactics, and procedures of the ancient ninja. Cyber warfare specialist Ben McCarty’s analysis of declassified Japanese scrolls will show how you can apply ninja methods to combat today’s security challenges like information warfare, deceptive infiltration, espionage, and zero-day attacks.

Learn how to use key ninja techniques to find gaps in a target’s defense, strike where the enemy is negligent, master the art of invisibility, and more. McCarty outlines specific, in-depth security mitigations such as fending off social engineering attacks by being present with “the correct mind,” mapping your network like an adversary to prevent breaches, and leveraging ninja-like traps to protect your systems.

You'll also learn how to:

  • Use threat modeling to reveal network vulnerabilities
  • Identify insider threats in your organization
  • Deploy countermeasures like network sensors, time-based controls, air gaps, and authentication protocols
  • Guard against malware command and-control servers
  • Detect attackers, prevent supply-chain attacks, and counter zero-day exploits

Cyberjutsu is the playbook that every modern cybersecurity professional needs to channel their inner ninja. Turn to the old ways to combat the latest cyber threats and stay one step ahead of your adversaries.

Author Bio 

Ben McCarty is a cyber security specialist and former NSA developer. He served in the US Army's Network Warfare Battalion and became the first fully qualified cyber warfare specialist (35Q) in US Army history. He is currently a quantum security researcher in the Washington, DC, area.

Table of contents 

Chapter 1: Mapping Networks
Chapter 2: Guarding with Special Care
Chapter 3: Xenophobic Security
Chapter 4: Identification Challenges
Chapter 5: Double-Sealed Password
Chapter 6: Hours of Infiltration
Chapter 7: Access to Time
Chapter 8:Tools
Chapter 9: Sensors
Chapter 10: Bridges and Ladders
Chapter 11: Locks
Chapter 12: Moon on the Water
Chapter 13: Worm Agent
Chapter 14: Ghost on the Moon
Chapter 15: The Art of the Fireflies
Chapter 16: Live Capture
Chapter 17: Fire Attack
Chapter 18: Covert Communication
Chapter 19: Call Signs
Chapter 20: Light, Noise, and Litter Discipline
Chapter 21: Circumstances of Infiltration
Chapter 22: Zero Days
Chapter 23: Hiring Shinobi
Chapter 24: Guardhouse Behavior
Chapter 25: Zero Suspicion Threat Management
Chapter 26: Shinobi Tradecraft

View the Copyright Page
View the detailed Table of Contents
View the Index

Reviews 

"As novel as it is illuminating, as it looks deep into the past. . . . [McCarty] provides a remarkably comprehensive tour of his subject, which is especially impressive for such a concise work that’s well under 300 pages. In it, he covers such as topics as mapping networks and authentication, and provides unconventional tips, as well . . . A thoughtful, original, and thorough guide to cybersecurity."
Kirkus Reviews

"Pairs modern information security methods with ancient Japanese traditions, elevating both subjects in order to elucidate elements of the former. . . . an easy resource whose reference material flows well."
Foreword Reviews

"A good quality book."
—Antony Cummins, The Historical Ninjutsu Research Team

"This helpful manual explores the field of cybersecurity, providing tips, tricks, and proven methods to help companies keep online information out of the hands of hackers. . . . Combining philosophical exercises with more concrete plans of action, McCarty blends new and old, complex and simple, to craft this intricate guide."
—BookLife

"Cyberjutsu is an innovative work that is both highly technical and very readable. . . . it’s packed with ideas, tips, and practical techniques for combating cyber threats. As such, the book is likely to prove an invaluable resource for individuals and organizations looking to improve their cybersecurity practices."
—Erin Britton, San Francisco Book Review

"A very well researched and clearly organized book that uses Japanese history quite cleverly to illustrate modern cybersecurity problems, suggesting ways to counter technological invaders and hackers based on techniques used to defend castles against attacks by clever and resourceful ninja."
—Catherine Langrehr, Indie Reader, Starred Review

"The exercises are of a kind that would deeply kindle readers’ interest and spur them on to intense problem-solving activity as well as hands-on experimentation in a naturally appealing manner, particularly if you grew up loving adventure/mystery stories involving castles, kings, and queens. . . . [geeks will] find it highly enjoyable and challenging!"
—Raju Chacko, Reedsy

"May appeal to CEOs in the same way they might turn to Sun Tzu’s The Art of War to level up their plan of attack. The book is also a good overview of cybersecurity for students and anyone considering a career in this expanding field. . . . Cyberjutsu, with its knowledge of the past and its applications for the future, is sure to inspire both cybersecurity insiders and the curious."
—Joanna Poncavage, BookTrib

"A labor of love . . . There is much value in the descriptions, analogies and schemes as described. The cyber technology presented is correct and complete. I am no expert in Ninja warfare, but the analogies absolutely makes sense."
A Book Junkie Reviews

"I had a lot of fun reading this book. It is by far one of the easiest technical books that I have read in a while. I’m not sure whether that was due to the comparisons to Shinobi holding my interest. Or whether it was due to the authors writing style that made it easy to read. Either way I blitzed through this book quickly and have recommended it to a few of my colleagues in the Cybersecurity industry.""
—HaXeZ, Medium

"Don’t let its whimsical title fool you; this book is a practical and prescient compendium of cybersecurity concepts that lends itself to anyone considering a career in this expanding field along with organizational leaders seeking to level up their plan of attack with ninja-fueled tactics, techniques and procedures."
—Herald & Review

Extra Stuff 

Read this BookTrib Author Spotlight interview with Ben McCarty.

Included in New Book Releases List at Digital Book Today