The articles in this issue represent the broad range of ideas that come to mind when scientists and engineers think about attacking systems. Some approach the problem by describing technically sophisticated attacks, attack patterns, and toolkits. Others fret about the politics of security and attacks, worrying that outlawing certain kinds of software will backfire. Some describe methodologies for breaking systems (on purpose) in order to evaluate them. Others describe in gory detail the kinds of tools the adversary regularly wields. All of these approaches are useful.
['Iváan Arce', 'Gary McGraw']
Guest Editors' Introduction: Why Attacking Systems Is a Good Idea