Customer Reviews

The Hundredth Window: Protecting Your Privacy and Security In the Age of the Internet

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Hundredth Window iterates the familiar mantra of individuals feeling increasingly squeezed by the loss of privacy as computer networks and databases grease the "friction" of life that previously resisted such invasiveness. Privacy fundamentalist will decry the thinly veiled stumping for industry self-regulation and the appeal for responsible handling of PII. It was an easy read, plain and balanced. The fence straddling might call into question the intentions of the authors (founders of Truste.Org) and I wouldn't call this essential reading. I'd check out Database Nation or Ben Franklin's Web Site first. Still, this book speaks more to the average citizen who feels distress by the loss of privacy, but isn't sure what to do or why.

The authors encourage users to give up too much personal information to "trusted" companies. Their position is that in the abscence of law it's best to simply trust capitalism to define and enforce whatever form of privacy prevails. This book is marketing speak meant to lessen privacy concerns of individuals so that companies have greater access to personal data to market/program consumers.

I read an advance copy of the book and I have to say that although some of the "helpful hints" should be common sense, most people don't think of them.

It's important to follow the advice of this book. More and more online services and software coming out each day that compromise our online privacy (the Wall Street Journal seems to print at least one story on this subject each Monday). This is an important topic --not just the domain of the paranoid. Bravo to Jennings and Fena for clearly and artfully addressing what will no doubt become one of the most important issues of 2000.

The Hundredth Window is a must read for anyone on the Internet today!

The ability to move freely around the web, and not have your privacy compromised, will be a cornerstone issue in the coming years. In the book, the authors examine the state of the internet today, and things you can do to protect yourself and those who are important to you.

Privacy is critical, imagine having your web trail pulled up 20 years from now when you are running for a political office. More importantly, its tough to understand the lines between your machine's privacy and tracking (since multiple people could use your machine - where are your kids going today?).

I'd recommend the book highly for both novice readers and power web users.

The authors, who are cofounders of TRUSTe, a nonprofit that gives its seal of approval to Web sites that agree to post and adhere to privacy policies. The title of the book comes from the world of security experts who point out that even if you have 99 bars on 100 windows, you're leaving yourself open for a security breach on that 100th window. The authors beseech readers to learn which of their windows are open into the readers' own personal privacy. They include tips and tricks that offer practical solutions in each chapter. And they go beyond discussing personal privacy and include calls for the need of beefed up data protection in businesses as well. Good, approachable book that nicely elevates the argument of how important it is to know when you're being watched and by whom and what to do about it.