Inside Cyber, by Chuck Brooks, takes complex ideas about emerging technologies and provides a simplistic explanation of the technology. Brooks takes technology such as quantum computing, 5G, and Artificial Intelligence, and explains the positives and negatives of these new technologies.
We live in a world that seems like it’s changing by the day. Keeping up with the times and understanding all of the new technology around us can seem like an impossible task, especially as it affects our daily lives. Just a few years ago, Artificial Intelligence was considered to only exist in Sci-Fi movies. Cellular speeds are coming close to rivalling Wi-Fi as global satellite communication nears. Countries are scrambling as they prepare for the looming threat of cyber attacks aided by AI. These new technologies will forever change the way the world operates. This book dives into what may seem like an existential threat, providing necessary steps to remain safe and secure.
Cybersecurity
Brook’s passion for cybersecurity and protecting the globe against technological threats is clear with over 10 chapters addressing these issues and how to prevent them. The first 5 chapters break down the common definition of cybersecurity; detailing likely targets of cyber attacks, different types and methods of cyber attacks, and how to best prevent them from occuring. It provides a valued education about cyber security and preventative habits to protect yourself, your business, and your home.
According to the book, in 2023, there were 343,338,964 reported victims of cyber attacks. Email is the most common vector for malware, with about 35% of the malware delivered via email in 2023. Business email compromises accounted for $2.7 billion in losses in 2022.
Artificial Intelligence
The next 13 chapters talk about Artificial Intelligence. If you’re an avid AI enthusiast, this book goes into considerable detail explaining different types of AI, the current state and potential of AI, and how AI plays a role in our world and cybersecurity. Brooks does a fantastic job bringing his knowledge of the subject and conveying it to understand the ramifications of this technology. While tech such as AI can benefit society in many ways, the book also explains the risk factors with Artificial Intelligence and how it could soon be used as a weapon.
Rather than focus solely on the technical aspects of AI, Brooks dedicates 3 chapters to exploring the relationship between AI and privacy, healthcare, and ethics. As AI continues to evolve, there are moral concerns with the human condition and the potential of AI’s evolution. How much access and trust will society give to AI? When given personal information, will AI recognize an individual’s need for privacy and confidentiality?
Conclusion
To conclude the book, Brooks wraps up by talking about quantum computing and 5G, alluding to the future of not only the internet but the world as we know it. These technologies have already changed the way we model businesses and personal lives and will only continue paving the way.
Although thick with knowledge and information, the book is rather concise, with the main text of the book finishing just under 200 pages. It’s broken down into 25 different chapters, which makes for an easy read. The book also includes various graphics, charts, and images to help conceptualize topics that may be more difficult to grasp. While reading, being able to visualize the subject helped further my understanding of the topic. Presenting information such as a NIST cyber security framework as an image allows for further comprehension.
Chuck Brooks is a seasoned executive and consultant with over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity, emerging technologies, marketing, business development, and government relations. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University, where he teaches graduate courses on risk management, homeland security, and cyber security.
