Future Crimes Book Summary - Future Crimes Book explained in key points
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Future Crimes summary

Marc Goodman

Everything Is Connected, Everyone Is Vulnerable and What We Can Do About It

4.1 (37 ratings)
18 mins

Brief summary

Future Crimes by Marc Goodman is a book about the dark side of technology, where cybercrime is becoming more sophisticated and dangerous. It explores the potential risks of future technology and highlights the importance of security measures to protect against digital threats.

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    Future Crimes
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    Having merged the “online” and the “offline” worlds, can we safely log out?

    We’ve come a long way since the 1950s, when a single computer could barely fit inside a small building. Compare that with the world of today, where the iPhone in your pocket has more computing power than all of NASA during the Apollo 11 moon landing.

    But nowadays, technology is more than machines and gadgets. Rather, it’s an essential part of our lives – so essential, in fact, that over 80 percent of us check our phones within the first few minutes of waking up. And then we keep the same phones within three feet of us at all times.

    Our attachment to our phones can also be highly emotional. According to one US study, more than 90 percent of Americans feel high levels of anxiety if they forget their phone at home.

    Similarly, research from 2013 showed that Americans were spending more than five hours online every single day! We book our doctor’s appointments, check our bank statements and health insurance bills online, and browse Facebook and Amazon without considering the digital footprint we’re leaving behind.

    Often, our obsession with technology makes us forget that we’re putting our lives in the hands of software that can easily be hacked. This ignorance (or negligence) comes at a price.

    One study showed that, about 75 percent of the time, hackers successfully infiltrated the devices they attacked within mere minutes. This could in part be due to the fact that in 2015 “123456” and “password” remained the most popular passwords.

    To combat this, many companies have begun implementing multifactor authentication methods (e.g., using your password and a one-time code sent to you via SMS) to improve security. But you should nonetheless change your passwords regularly, keep them over 20 digits long and include numbers, symbols and spaces. Avoid being counted among the 50 percent of people who use the same password for all their online accounts.

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    What is Future Crimes about?

    Future Crimes (2015) lucidly explores the dangers inherent in using today’s highly interconnected web of technologies. Through carelessness or ignorance, we make huge amounts of personal information available to criminals who would love nothing more than to exploit us.

    Future Crimes Review

    Future Crimes (2015) is an eye-opening exploration of the dark side of technology and the emerging threats it poses to our lives. Here are three reasons why this book is worth reading:

    • It provides insightful analysis on the alarming rise of cybercrime, giving readers a comprehensive understanding of the potential risks we face in the digital age.
    • With a wealth of compelling real-life examples, the book demonstrates the devastating consequences of cyber attacks, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness and security.
    • Its thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between technology and crime keeps readers engaged and informed, ensuring that the topic remains anything but boring.

    Who should read Future Crimes?

    • Anyone who uses the internet on a daily basis
    • People who use social media on their smartphones
    • Those who believe technology will solve all our problems

    About the Author

    Marc Goodman is an FBI futurist who has consulted organizations such as INTERPOL, the United Nations, NATO, the LAPD and US government on issues ranging from security to business to international affairs. He also serves as Global Security Advisor and Chair of Policy and Law at the NASA- and Google-sponsored Silicon Valley’s Singularity University.

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    Future Crimes FAQs 

    What is the main message of Future Crimes?

    The main message of Future Crimes is that the digital age has brought new threats and challenges that we need to be aware of and take action against.

    How long does it take to read Future Crimes?

    The reading time for Future Crimes varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Future Crimes a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Future Crimes is a must-read for anyone concerned about cybersecurity and the potential risks of the digital world. It provides valuable insights and practical advice to protect ourselves.

    Who is the author of Future Crimes?

    The author of Future Crimes is Marc Goodman.

    What to read after Future Crimes?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Future Crimes, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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    • New Dark Age by James Bridle
    • The Coming Wave by Mustafa Suleyman
    • Phaedo by Plato
    • Tools and Weapons by Brad Smith and Carol Ann Browne
    • Showing Up for Life by Bill Gates
    • Principles For Dealing With the Changing World Order by Ray Dalio
    • For a New Liberty by Murray N. Rothbard
    • Atlas of AI by Kate Crawford