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.
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.
