Tangeld Web: Tales of Digital Crime from the Shadows of Cyberspace Book

Part true crime, part call to arms, Tangled Web looks over the firewall from both sides to examine the brave new crooks and their pursuers. Author Richard Power, editorial director of San Francisco's Computer Security Institute, is simultaneously engaging and wonky, a rare and lovely combination. Between interviews with hackers and security experts, Power plies the reader with numbers that suggest that the world's networks are swarming with money-sucking leeches, most of which are never even noticed, and certainly not caught. If his voice never quite becomes hysterical, it's to preserve his credibility; after all, Power's Institute needs a strong public awareness of cybercrime in order to stay in business.Which is not to say that Tangled Web is inaccurate or strongly biased. The author gives credit where it is due to law enforcement agencies and security consultants who have made some genuine progress in preventing crime and apprehending criminals. Fortunately, it's tough as of yet to commit violent crimes over a network, but the reader will still find reason to think twice before glossing over security procedures even at home. Power provides example countermeasures for all levels of connection, value and privacy desired, and while some are out of reach of individuals and smaller businesses, others cost only a little time or convenience. Like health insurance, it is better to take care of it beforehand, and Tangled Web should inspire even the most confident reader to action. --Rob LightnerRead More