One Sentence Summary:
Masters of Deception by Michele Slatalla is a riveting true crime book that tells the story of a group of teenage computer hackers who were responsible for some of the biggest cyber attacks in the 1980s and 1990s.
Book Genre:
True Crime, Non-Fiction, Cybersecurity
Main Topic of the Book:
Masters of Deception explores the rise and fall of a group of teenage computer hackers known as MOD, who gained notoriety for their cyber attacks on some of the biggest corporations and institutions in the 1980s and 1990s.
Key Ideas:
- Understanding the world of teenage computer hackers in the 1980s and 1990s
- Exploring the early days of hacking and the vulnerabilities of computer systems
- The impact of hacking on corporations and institutions
- The legal and ethical implications of hacking
- The role of law enforcement in tracking down cyber criminals
Main Parts of the Book and a Short Summary:
- Prologue: The Beginning of an Era
- Part I: I’m Not a Criminal, I’m a Hacker
- Part II: The End of Innocence
- Part III: The Big Score
- Part IV: Who’s in Charge Here Anyway?
- Part V: Pardon Our Dust
- Epilogue: The Long Journey Home
The prologue sets the stage for the book by describing the early days of hacking and the rise of Masters of Deception.
This section explores the origins of MOD and how they started hacking as a way to gain respect and recognition from their peers. It also delves into the early days of the hacker community and how it evolved.
As MOD’s hacks become more sophisticated and consequential, they catch the attention of law enforcement. This section follows the conflicts and confrontations between MOD and law enforcement and the escalating cyber attacks.
MOD’s most famous hack – breaking into the New York telephone system – is described in this section. It also explores the impact of their hack on the telephone industry and the legal ramifications for MOD.
The power struggles and infighting within MOD are examined in this section, as well as their attempts to go “legitimate” and become a security consulting firm. It also delves into the legal consequences faced by MOD members.
The aftermath of MOD’s downfall and their attempts to rebuild their lives are explored in this section. It also delves into the changes in the hacking community and the evolution of cybersecurity measures.
The book concludes by reflecting on the lasting impact of MOD’s actions and how the hacking community has evolved since their heyday.
Key Takeaways:
- The early days of hacking were marked by teenage rebellion and the pursuit of recognition and fame.
- The vulnerabilities of computer systems were not well-understood, and hackers were able to exploit them with relative ease.
- Hacking can have significant consequences for corporations and institutions, and there are ethical and legal implications to consider.
- Law enforcement plays an important role in tracking down and prosecuting cyber criminals.
- The hacker community has evolved and changed since the time of MOD, and cybersecurity measures have also become more advanced.
Author’s Background and Qualifications:
Michelle Slatalla is a journalist and author who has written for publications such as The New York Times, Wired, and Fortune. She has also written several books, including “The Christian Science Monitor: A Business Perspective” and “The Town on Beaver Creek.” Her interest in hackers and their impact on society led her to write Masters of Deception.
Target Audience:
The target audience for this book includes readers interested in true crime, cybersecurity, and the history of hacking. It may also appeal to those interested in teenage subcultures and how they can have a significant impact on society.
Publisher and First Publication Date:
Masters of Deception was published by Harper Collins Publishers in July 1995.