Cult of the Dead Cow

How the Original Hacking Supergroup Might Just Save the World

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Cult of the Dead Cow (2019, PublicAffairs)

272 pages

English language

Published Nov. 8, 2019 by PublicAffairs.

ISBN:
9781541762374

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4 stars (2 reviews)

The shocking untold story of the elite secret society of hackers fighting to protect our privacy, our freedom -- even democracy itself.

"Cult of the Dead Cow is the tale of the oldest, most respected, and most famous American hacking group of all time. Though until now it has remained mostly anonymous, its members invented the concept of hacktivism, released the top tool for testing password security, and created what was for years the best technique for controlling computers from afar, forcing giant companies to work harder to protect customers. They contributed to the development of Tor, the most important privacy tool on the net, and helped build cyberweapons that advanced US security without injuring anyone. With its origins in the earliest days of the Internet, the cDc is full of oddball characters--activists, artists, and musicians--some of whom went on to advise presidents, cabinet members, and CEOs, who now walk …

3 editions

Systems evolve into chaotic mush

3 stars

Much of this book is fascinating, if you're a geek old enough to remember BBSes. As hacker groups go, Cult of the Dead Cow was likely among the most ethical. But the handful of brilliant fools ended up solidly in the establishment — at Facebook and Yahoo, at DOD and the NSA, or at firms contracting for them. It's so common as to seem inevitable: an idea that starts in a garage ends up monetizing by spreading hate or spying on you.

Subjects

  • Computer security
  • Hackers