Countdown to Zero Day: Stuxnet and the Launch of the World's First Digital Weapon

Countdown to Zero Day

Stuxnet and the Launch of the World's First Digital Weapon

2014

Ratings6

Average rating3.7

15

Executive Summary: A bit longer than I'd have liked, going deeper into history on some things than I was interested in, but the tech stuff was pretty fascinating. 3.5 stars.

Audiobook: For fiction I always want a memorable narrator, but for nonfiction someone forgettable is best. I want the story to speak for itself. I thought Joe Ochman fit the bill nicely for me.

Full Review
I'm always fascinated by computer history, and the story behind Stuxnet is both fascinating and terrifying. Here we are many years later and it doesn't seem like computer security has improved all that much.

It's easy to think that Iran just isn't as advanced as the US, and that's how they were susceptible, but the reality is more about the amount of money spent and probably the fear of retaliation. We may never know the full details of Stuxnet, but this book seems to do a pretty good job of not only attempting to put all the pieces together but fill in the history of the events that led to the attack.

As I read this for technical side, I found my attention drifting at times when she would focus more on the history of Iran and its nuclear program. Overall I'd have liked for it to be a bit shorter, maybe summarizing some of the historical elements more, but still a pretty enjoyable read.

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