August is upon us. And so, in the spirit of a (well-deserved) summer recharge, here are our top ten reads to expand your knowledge and ignite your passion for all things related to the digital world. From thrilling accounts of real-life hacking incidents to comprehensive guides on safeguarding systems, each book on this list offers unique insights, practical advice, and thought-provoking perspectives.
So, grab a cool beverage, find a comfortable spot, and dive into these captivating reads.
A Hacker’s Mind: How the Powerful Bend Society’s Rules, and How to Bend Them Back
By Bruce Schneier
In his latest book, renowned cybersecurity expert and New York Times best-selling author, Bruce Schneier shares how applying a hacker’s mindset can change how you think and navigate the world. Schneier takes hacking out of the world of computing and uses it to analyze the systems that underpin our society.
The Age of AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity
By Jason Thacker
Author Jason Thacker answers the hard-hitting questions surrounding the future of AI. A comprehensive exploration of the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on society, addressing both its promises and potential pitfalls while advocating for an ethical and human-centered approach to AI development.
Tracers in the Dark: The Global Hunt for the Crime Lords of Cryptocurrency
By Andy Greenberg
Authored by an award-winning senior writer for WIRED, covering security, privacy, information freedom, and hacker culture, this book sheds light on the clandestine operations of crime lords. These individuals exploit the anonymity and decentralization of cryptocurrencies for nefarious purposes.
By Frank Slootman
Snowflake CEO and chairman, Frank Slootman provides depth on valuable insights and strategies for leaders seeking to drive rapid growth. This book will help you achieve exceptional results by instilling higher expectations, a sense of urgency, and a culture of intensity within their teams and organizations.
Measure What Matters: How Google, Bono, and the Gates Foundation Rock the World with OKRs
By John Doerr
Applying lessons from the early days at Google, John Doerr gives perspective and explores the power of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) as a goal-setting framework. This book displays real-world examples of how organizations and individuals have leveraged OKRs to drive remarkable success and impact.
Battlefield Cyber: How China and Russia are Undermining Our Democracy and National Security
By William J Holstein and Michael McLaughlin
Co-authored by the former Senior Counterintelligence Advisor for United States Cyber Command, Battlefield Cyber sheds light on the growing cyber threats posed by China and Russia. The book examines their tactics and strategies in undermining democratic systems and national security, while urging for increased vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard against these cyber threats.
Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with Less
By Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen, and Roy Schwartz
In Smart Brevity, the founders of Axios and Politico explore the art of concise communication, offering practical strategies and examples to effectively convey ideas and messages with brevity, clarity, and impact.
Radically Human: How New Technology Is Transforming Business and Shaping Our Future
By Paul Daugherty and H. James Wilson
A fascinating read from two Accenture technology executives, Radically Human thoughtfully examines the intersection of technology and humanity. It showcases how emerging technologies are revolutionizing businesses, reshaping industries, and influencing our collective future while it emphasizes the importance of human-centric approaches and ethical considerations.
Cybersecurity First Principles: A Reboot of Strategy and Tactics
By Rick Howard
In this book, preeminent cybersecurity expert Rick Howard offers a comprehensive framework for cybersecurity in the modern age, providing strategies for effectively combatting evolving threats and building robust defense systems, admonishing us to adhere to his first principle — “reduce the probability of material impact to your organization due to a cyber event over a finite set of time.”
Fancy Bear Goes Phishing: The Dark History of the Information Age, in Five Extraordinary Hacks
By Scott J. Shapiro
Shapiro, director of the Yale Center for Law and Philosophy and its CyberSecurity Lab, provides a scintillating account of five extraordinary hacking incidents orchestrated by the notorious hacking group known as “Fancy Bear.” These events are detailed with precision and insight, shedding light on the dark underbelly of the information age.