A former hacker turned technology journalist, his work delves into the intricacies of computer security. He began his journalistic career in the early 2000s, quickly gaining recognition for original investigative reporting that was frequently picked up by the mainstream press. Moving from a prominent security research firm, he became a senior editor for Wired News, where he continues to explore pressing issues in the digital realm. His writing is distinguished by a deep understanding of technology and a knack for making complex subjects accessible to readers.
The true story of Max Butler, the master hacker who ran a billion dollar cyber crime network
290 pages
11 hours of reading
The narrative explores the journey of a hacker who infiltrated the lucrative world of cybercrime, revealing the inner workings of this billion-dollar underground. Through a blend of personal anecdotes and detailed accounts, the book delves into the motivations behind cybercriminal activities, the complexities of digital theft, and the challenges faced by law enforcement. It offers a gripping look at the hacker's rise to power and the ethical dilemmas surrounding the cybercrime landscape, making it a compelling read for those interested in technology and crime.
"Former hacker Kevin Poulsen has, over the past decade, built a reputation as one of the top investigative reporters on the cybercrime beat. In 'Kingpin, ' he pours his unmatched access and expertise into book form for the first time, delivering a gripping cat-and-mouse narrative--and an unprecedented view into the twenty-first century's signature form of organized crime. The word spread through the hacking underground like some unstoppable new virus: Someone--some brilliant, audacious crook--had just staged a hostile takeover of an online criminal network that siphoned billions of dollars from the US economy. Through the story of this criminal's remarkable rise, and of law enforcement's quest to track him down, 'Kingpin' lays bare the workings of a silent crime wave still affecting millions of Americans."--Publisher description
How One Hacker Took Over the Billion-Dollar Cybercrime Underground
266 pages
10 hours of reading
The true story of Max Butler, the master hacker who ran a billion dollar cyber crime network.The word spread through the hacking underground like some unstoppable new virus: an audacious crook had staged a hostile takeover of an online criminal network that siphoned billions of dollars from the US economy.The culprit was a brilliant programmer with a hippie ethic and a supervillain's double identity. Max 'Vision' Butler was a white-hat hacker and a celebrity throughout the programming world, even serving as a consultant to the FBI. But there was another side to Max. As the black-hat 'Iceman', he'd seen the fraudsters around him squabble, their ranks riddled with infiltrators, their methods inefficient, and in their dysfunction was the ultimate challenge: he would stage a coup and steal their ill-gotten gains from right under their noses.Through the story of Max Butler's remarkable rise, KINGPIN lays bare the workings of a silent crime wave affecting millions worldwide. It exposes vast online-fraud supermarkets stocked with credit card numbers, counterfeit cheques, hacked bank accounts and fake passports. Thanks to Kevin Poulsen's remarkable access to both cops and criminals, we step inside the quiet,desperate battle that law enforcement fights against these scammers. And learn that the boy next door may not be all he seems.
