Book Review: Black Code: Surveillance, Privacy, and the Dark Side of the Internet

Dr. Ronald J. Deibert’s book Black Code: Surveillance, Privacy, and the Dark Side of the Internet addresses growing concerns regarding international cyber threats and argues against current countries’ methods of responding to these threats. Deibert presents a solid, well-rounded argument, with intriguing evidence to support his assertions regarding our flawed cybersecurity environment, and closes Black Code with personal recommendations to secure and regulate the cyberspace domain. Readers receive a broad spectrum analysis of cyberspace and cybersecurity and are provided specific information on the actions and interactions of hackers, international governments, and related cyber industries. Black Code reads like a cyber novel; brilliantly crafted with a strong foundation and argument against current cybersecurity techniques and practices. Dr. Deibert is Professor of Political Science, and Director of the Citizen Lab at the Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto. The Citizen Lab is described as “an interdisciplinary research and development laboratory working at the intersection of the digital technologies, global security, and human rights.”