Hello World, Thanks for all the great input. Here is a compilation of the answers I received. The question was, where to find information in order to come up to speed fast on UNIX/LINUX security issues. It should be noted that no brain cells were injured in making this compilation, all insights and comments belong to other members of this list. I received several recommendations multiple times (prayer seemed to be a popular recommendation?) but obviously only listed them once. I have also cannibalized several of the e-mails to make them fit the format below. Once again, thanks for all the help! Scott ** BOOKS ** "Web Security & Commerce": By Simson Garfinkel with Gene Spafford "Secrets and Lies : Digital Security in a Networked World" by Bruce Schneier "Applied Cryptography" by Bruce Schneier "Computer Security Basics" By Deborah Russell & G.T. Gangemi, Sr. -- snip -- "Computer Security Basics" really covers historical ground so I would not recommend it if you are in a hurry, "Web Security & Commerce" is a little dated but is still relevant, "Applied Cryptography" is a must read if one is going to implement cryptographic protocols such as SSH or SSL and "Secrets and Lies" is a must read. So if you get just one read "Secrets and Lies"". Try "Linux System Security" for in depth coverage of security features & software on Linux. Well written and goes into good detail on algorithms (the SSH chapter is very useful if you're trying to visualize the protocol) and recommendations. http://www.phptr.com/ptrbooks/ptr_0130158070.html Practical UNIX & Internet Security, 2nd Edition Classic O'Reilly guide to security on a UNIX system http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/puis/ ** NET ** http://www.linuxsecurity.com/ is a nice starting point. If you're looking for Documentation, go to http://www.linuxdoc.org/ . http://www.suse.de/~marc/ Of particular interest are the harden_suse and seccheck scripts. Once you understand everything they do and why you'll know more about security than most admins. Linux Administrator's Security Guide (LASG) now Linux Security Knowledge Base (LSKB) (Thanks Kurt!) Read it end to end. http://securityportal.com/lskb/ ** LISTS ** One good place to keep up on current security problems is the bugtraq listserve. ... snip ... Go to http://www.securityfocus.com/ for a link to the Bugtraq archives and FAQs, which include subscription info.