Privacy Lost

by David H. Holtzman

Book Overview

While other books in the field focus on specific aspects of privacy or how to avoid invasions, David H. Holtzman--a master technologist, internet pioneer, security analyst, and former military codebreaker--presents a comprehensive insider's expos of the world of invasive technology, who's using it, and how our privacy is at risk. Holtzman starts out by categorizing privacy violations into "The 7 Sins Against Privacy" and then goes on to explain in...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0787985112
• ISBN13: 9780787985110
• Release Date: October 2006
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.3" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Scary Because It's You

Warning: If you don't want to get a little nervous every time you are asked to give out your personal information online, don't read this book. If you want to be savvy about protecting your privacy online and in our increasingly automated world, then read it forthwith. As a casual technology user, I found this book easy to manage, informative, and entertaining at times. What I found particularly interesting, were Holtzman's descriptions of the evolution of internet culture. Included in this are some fascinating predictions about how people will use the internet in the immediate future, and what steps will be necessary to guarantee their privacy. Every modern consumer should read this book, and somebody ought to capitalize on Holtzman's internet forecasts.

Reading this book in public places is hilarious.

What David H. Holtzman has set out to accomplish in this book is not to give the most complex picture of the privacy debate, and it's clearly not a bound and published research paper directed at experts in the topic. Rather this is a book directed at readers who might go about their lives as usual, but may be a bit bothered by all the data they are asked to give out on themselves every day. Holtzman explains where that concern comes from, why you are justified in your concern, and finally suggests tactics to cope with our swiftly changing world. Holtzman's interest in pseudonymity, and the distinction between it and anonymity is a recurring theme throughout the book, and clearly a cultural and social issue which is swimming just under the public consciousness. It is a quick read and the clarity with which Holtzman breaks down the issue is one of the books strongest points. As the other reviewers have suggested, the 'Seven Sins Against Privacy' section alone will provide a reader with a plethora of material for spooky, entertaining, and intriguing small talk.

An approachable approach to a complicated topic...

David Holtzman's book is just what the public needs...in very clear kitchen english he conveys some very important information about your (i.e. MY) privacy and the internet. I found the book approachable and fun to read...it sparked my imagination far more than some other books on similar topics. Buy this and then do not let in languish beside your chair; read it. And think about what you learn. The book is worth purchasing just for the "Seven Deadly Sins Against Privacy" if nothing else. What a great TV documentary you could make using this book as a guide. If you need more than this book then you need to hire an expert and dish out some big money.