Virtual Integrity: Faithfully Navigating the Brave New Web [Paperback]

Danie Lohrmann (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2008

It's unavoidable--every time we surf the Web we are bombarded with temptations vying for our thoughts, dreams, time, and money. As a high-ranking government computer security expert and an avid personal Internet user, Daniel Lohrmann knows these lures well. In Virtual Integrity, he sets out to answer an important question: How can we safely surf our values? Approachable and essential for all Web users, this book reveals the vast scope of the current battle, creative new answers to the problem, and practical steps everyone can follow. Delving into more than just commonly discussed issues of Internet gambling and pornography, Lohrmann offers a rare holistic vision for how to avoid "integrity theft" and unpacks a revolutionary new paradigm for integrity security. EXCERPT Over the past 24 years, I've led teams building websites and customer-focused portals that have changed the way citizens and businesses interact with government - for the better. Since working for the National Security Agency in the 1980s, I've circled the globe fixing computers, battling hackers, stopping computer viruses, and taking on a never-ending list of "bad guys." America still faces serious challenges from foreign threats, and many books have been written and websites developed on all aspects of cybersecurity, organized crime, and protecting your confidential information. I've seen firsthand a lot of these threats and abuses of Internet capabilities. But in the past few years, an even more troubling trend has grabbed my attention. I am referring to an extraordinary increase in the numbers of temptations we face in cyberspace. New seductions are cleverly packaged as "innovative opportunities" that are really appeals to engage in unproductive, harmful, even immoral activities online. A much wider set of questions have arisen that can't be answered by simply blocking spam, installing web filters, or upgrading your antivirus software and PC firewall. These virtual threats can have the net effect of taking away some of the most important things in life. As individuals, institutions, and a nation, we spend significant time battling identity theft online, but we neglect to fight other negative aspects of Internet life that I call "integrity theft." We need a new approach to virtual integrity.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Surf Your Values

In this Internet age, technology gurus have loudly warned us of the dangers of identity theft. But computer security expert Daniel Lohrmann is more troubled about a different threat lurking online--integrity theft. In Virtual Integrity, he reveals the vast scope of the potential pitfalls we face every time we surf the Web--the temptations vying for our thoughts, dreams, time, and money.

In this groundbreaking book, Lohrmann launches the battle against integrity theft by setting out to answer this question: How can we safely surf our values? Lohrmann tackles topics including problems with Web filters and parental controls, the pervasiveness of cheating on the Web, and how to avoid online career pitfalls. He then offers practical tips for following his "seven habits of online integrity" and unpacks a revolutionary new paradigm for integrity security.

"The Internet has brought the world to our fingertips; unfortunately, it can also take our eyes, our minds--and ultimately our character--places we should never go. While much has been written about the need to protect our identity in this brave new cyber world, little has been said about how to achieve this. Dan Lohrmann shows the way in Virtual Integrity."--Tony Perkins, president, Family Research Council

"This book is a great education tool that takes a unique look at the personal responsibility required of all of us as we utilize the power of the Internet. The book provides perspective, not just about security, but also about our role in the new world of using the Web as a tool for communicating, collaborating, creating, and utilizing information. Dan Lohrmann provides practical steps to address the concerns of parents, educators, government officials, and community leaders."--Teri Takai, chief information officer, State of California

About the Author

Daniel J. Lohrmann directs the State of Michigan's Office of Enterprise Security and is Michigan's chief information security officer. An award-winning computer security expert and sought-after speaker at technology conferences around the country, he was named one of the 25 most influential people in the security industry by Security Magazine, the 2008 Chief Security Officer of the Year by SC Magazine, and the 2008 Public Official of the Year in technology by Governing magazine. Lohrmann lives with his wife and four children in Grand Ledge, Michigan. Bio. with awards more prominent: Daniel J. Lohrmann, an award-winning computer security expert, directs the State of Michigan's Office of Enterprise Security and is Michigan's chief information security officer. He was named one of the 25 most influential people in the security industry by Security Magazine, the 2008 Chief Security Officer of the Year by SC Magazine, and the 2008 Public Official of the Year in technology by Governing magazine. A sought-after speaker at technology conferences around the country, he lives with his wife and four children in Grand Ledge, Michigan.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Brazos Press (November 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 158743234X
• ISBN-13: 978-1587432347
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,588,166 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Character Matters December 15, 2008

By Steven Opper

Format:Paperback

J.C. Watts, the former congressman and football player, said it best when he said, "Character is doing the right thing when nobody's looking". The ever expanding era of technology we live in has many benefits and advantages, but there are many unintended consequences knocking at our door daily usurping our character.

Dan Lohrmann combines his knowledge and expertise as an industry leader in technology and internet security along with a biblical model for character and integrity into this easy to follow book. Not only does he point out the potential pitfalls lurking around the corner, but also provides sound suggestions and recommendations to combat them.

The book is a very fast read and easy to digest. It isn't written with computer geeks in mind, although it would be good for them to read as well! It makes me think about character every time I open a web browser, which in itself steers me down the proper path of integrity when no one is looking. I would highly recommend this book for people of all ages.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fresh Insight for All Generations January 21, 2009

By Ronald J. Dehaas

Format:Paperback

I have read many, many books and articles relating to integrity and the Internet, but this is the best so far. Lorhmann presents fresh insight that the legalistic forced blocking by filters is not only insufficient, but anti-productive. Filters actually foster temptation to circumvent, and offer little in the way of training in proper use of the Internet.

One of the key aspects of the book is that it is based in fundamental truth - often lacking in today's society. That truth is that the Internet is often used improperly - either through the amount of time spent or in the nature of material viewed on the Internet. As such, that truth applies to all generations, young and old, male and female, tech or non-tech.

Lohrmann goes well beyond discussion of the problem... he presents practical means to overcome the problem through easy and readily available tools.

Parents should read this book, then pass it on to their kids, and they should buy copies for their friends.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book to balance online and offline lives December 22, 2008

By Luke Gilkerson

Format:Paperback

Virtual Integrity is a landmark book for the topic of cyber-ethics. While Dan Lohrman could easily be considered an expert in the area of technological solutions for cyber problems, the focus of his book is not technology, but rather personal character. Virtual Integrity successfully bridges the worlds of Christian ethics and cyberspace.

Lohrman offers readers what he calls the "Seven Habits of Online Integrity." His intention is to give "action-oriented disciplines that strive to be 'non-techie,' easy to understand, and flexible to implement based upon need." He does just that. His approach is both refreshing and holistic. He doesn't merely focus on the hot-button issues such as pornography or Internet predators. Instead he writes to a broad audience on Internet users and calls them to refresh their values in cyberspace.

Surfing the Web has become a place where people can live a second life, at times at odds with their offline values. Lohrman gives his readers a glimpse of how this has become a problem in modern society and then gives hands-on, practical steps that can be taken to overcome these problems.

To anyone who wants a handbook on how to mix personal values and online interactions, Virtual Integrity is the best out there today. Whether it is used for personal reading or group discussion (see his reader's guide: [...], this book will educate and challenge you.