From School Library Journal
Grade 6-9-A well-organized review of computer crimes and hacking pranks. The range is wide, covering everything from "shoulder-surfing" Personal Identification Numbers at automated teller machines to viruses exported through modems and networked computers that bring down large companies' entire systems-intentionally or accidentally. Some warnings about protecting your privacy, laws affecting computer usage, as well as suggestions for good citizenship practices are also included. The style is absorbing, with lots of examples and actual events. Unfortunately, there are only a few black-and-white photographs to break up the text and attract readers. The glossary is excellent, as are the extensive bibliographic chapter notes. This would be a good volume to expand the scope of a basic collection on computer books.
Carol Torrance, Lincoln School Library, Kearny, NJCopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
This Issues in Focus title updates the 1994 edition with recently documented, more diverse cases of cybercrime, from annoying pranks to personal and national security threats. Viruses, hacking, and fraud are effectively illustrated through well-chosen examples that also introduce a lexicon of language filled with "crackers," "cookies," and "logic bombs." The book addresses the challenges of defining computer crimes and tracking and penalizing cybercriminals, ending with a section on civil liberties and cyberethics. A layperson's introduction to the development of computers and how they operate provides context and background, and some tips for guarding against computer viruses are included. Straightforwardly written and accessibly organized, the book demonstrates the need for education, awareness, and developing technology, if only to keep up with diverse techno-bandits who continue to expose and exploit the vulnerability of computer systems. A few black-and-white photos, extensive chapter notes, a glossary, a reading list, and Web sites are included.
Shelle Rosenfeld
--This text refers to an alternate
Library Binding
edition.