Crime Dot Com: From Viruses to Vote Rigging, How Hacking Went Global

Arguing that cybercrime has grown in power and in danger, journalist White offers a well-written, expertly researched examination of the topic. Relying on published reports and in-depth interviews, the author looks at three different facets: cybercrime gangs, “hacktivist” movements, and ways in which nation states use cybercrimes. White is at his best when describing this seemingly legally sanctioned hacking, such as in Russia and North Korea. In vivid detail, he explores the 2015 raid on Bangladesh’s Central Bank; the movement Anonymous, which has made attacks on governments; and ways in which data is hacked for profit. Knowledgeable readers may miss insight into government investigations and criminal motivations, as in Nick Bilton’s American Kingpin and Evan Ratliff’s The Mastermind. Still, this is a fascinating, often gripping read, and a solid update to Brian Krebs’s Spam Nation. Those seeking more information on schemes should skip the recommended reading at the end of the book and instead check out the above titles or krebsonsecurity.com and threatpost.com.