Math for Security

Use applied math to map fire stations, develop facial recognition software, solve the art gallery problem and more in this hands-on, real-world infosec book.

Explore the intersection of mathematics and computer security with this engaging and accessible guide.

Math for Security will equip you with essential tools to tackle complex security problems head on. All you need are some basic programming skills. Once you’ve set up your development environment and reviewed the necessary Python syntax and math notation in the early chapters, you’ll dive deep into practical applications, leveraging the power of math to analyze networks, optimize resource distribution, and much more. In the book’s final chapters, you’ll take your projects from proof of concepts to viable applications and explore options for delivering them to end users.

As you work through various security scenarios, you’ll:

• Employ packet analysis and graph theory to detect data exfiltration attempts in a network
• Predict potential targets and find weaknesses in social networks with Monte Carlo simulations
• Use basic geometry and OpenCell data to triangulate a phone’s location without GPS
• Apply computational geometry to Voronoi diagrams for use in emergency service planning
• Train a facial recognition system with machine learning for real-time identity verification
• Use spatial analysis to distribute physical security features effectively in an art gallery

Whether you’re an aspiring security professional, a social network analyst, or an innovator seeking to create cutting-edge security solutions, this book will empower you to solve complex problems with precision and confidence. Embrace the intricate world of math as your secret weapon in computer security!

Covers Python 3.xAcknowledgments

Introduction
PART I: ENVIRONMENT AND CONVENTIONS
Chapter 1: Setting up the Environment
Chapter 2: Programming and Math Conventions
PART II: GRAPH THEORY AND COMPUTATIONAL GEOMETRY
Chapter 3: Securing Networks with Graph Theory
Chapter 4: Building a Network Traffic Analysis Tool 
Chapter 5: Identifying Threats with Social Network Analysis
Chapter 6: Analyzing Social Networks to Prevent Security Incidents
Chapter 7: Using Geometry to Improve Security Practices
Chapter 8: Tracking People in Physical Space with Digital Information
Chapter 9: Computational Geometry for Safety Resource Distribution
Chapter 10: Computational Geometry for Facial Recognition
PART III: THE ART GALLERY PROBLEM
Chapter 11: Distributing Security Resources to Guard a Space
Chapter 12: The Minimum Viable Product Approach to Security Software Development
Chapter 13: Delivering Python Applications
Notes
Index"A very practical book for security. . . . a real eye-opener."
—William Gasarch, Professor, University of Maryland-Dept of Computer Science

"A really nice introduction to graph theory and computational geometry for people who know a bit of Python and without a mathematical background."
—Julien Voisin, Artificial Truth

"The book was very easy to follow, I'd expect anyone with a technical or stats background to be able to dive right in given the step-by-step instructions and explanations provided by Daniel."
—@WithSandra, tech YouTuber and security analyst

"Whether you're an aspiring security professional, a social network analyst, or an innovator seeking to create cutting-edge security solutions, Math for Security will empower you to solve complex problems with precision and confidence. "
—Midwest Book ReviewDaniel Reilly is a security researcher, analyst, and consultant based out of Seattle, WA. He has worked in the security field for 20 years, more than half of which has been spent developing and managing operational security for small businesses.