Books in Making and Breaking Codes series

Hackers are those individuals who gain access to computers or networks without official permission. In this intriguing resource, readers learn the differences among white hat, black hat, and gray hat hackers and their ways of working concerning computer networks today. The origins and history of hacker culture are examined, as are the law enforcement methods of catching criminals. Some of the topics covered are the motives for hacking, black hat targets, online hazards, malware programs, and typical hacker techniques. Government-sponsored hacking in cyber warfare efforts, hactivism, and famous hackers are also reviewed.

Todays news headlines are plentifully peppered by the latest hacks into some of the worlds largest and most reputable companies. These malicious intrusions leave the personal, banking, and credit card information of millions of people vulnerable to the malevolent whims of the hackers. Meanwhile, inside the world of cryptography, the race is on to keep that information as safe and protected as possible as hackers uncover new ways to access it. Readers will be riveted by this race, the outcome of which affects us all.

With constant headlines announcing the latest infiltration by hackers, it is more important than ever to be well informed on the topic. In this timely book, readers will learn about some of the approaches used by attackers, what they are looking for, and how the experts work to protect sensitive information. For example, specialists in law enforcement sometimes turn the tables on the criminals and track them down using the very same technology criminals used to commit the crime. Readers will be as informed as they are captivated by cryptography’s internet-age version of a criminal and crime-fighting story.

Data encryption and security is an increasingly relevant subject in our digitized world. Cryptography is used to make e-commerce and online communication secure, protecting banking information, sensitive documents, and more. When you purchase something online or send a confidential e-mail, protocols created by cryptographers protect that information. However, if your private information is hacked electronically, cryptographers are also to blame. This series sheds light on the history of cryptography, the “arms race” between those protecting sensitive information and those trying to access it, the lives of famous cryptographers, and the tools and methods that cryptographers use.