Hacking and Hackers.

Haerens, Margaret, and Lynn M. Zott.  Hacking and Hackers.   Gale/Greenhaven  2014  211p  $30.95  ISBN 978-0-7377-6657-8      ms/hs  series: Opposing Viewpoints#4  Nonfiction  VG 

This book presents opposing viewpoints regarding the most effective way to combat hacking, whether hactivism is a serious threat, the significance of WikiLeaks, and the role of the government regarding hacking.  This concise book is well written and organized and provides much information from the viewpoint of both sides of the controversy, a characteristic for which the series is traditionally known.  Accurate information is disseminated in a succinct manner, relating facts on the debate without opinion or bias.

In addition to the informative text, there is the visual appeal of the book.  The illustrations, graphs, and text boxes utilize no color, and the seriousness of the issues is enhanced by the use of black and white.  It also provides consistency with the other titles in this series and allows students a familiarity of flow when reading or researching with this book.

Hacking and Hackers lives up to the remarkable reputation of other titles in this popular series.  It is a very good resource for young readers and researchers, and information is validated through additional sources.  The detailed table of contents, information pages, list of organizations to contact, bibliography and comprehensive index make this a very good resource.
     

This is one book in the Opposing Viewpoints series.  This series provides factual information surrounding debates on controversial issues. Consistency of format throughout makes this a valuable series for middle- and high-school libraries.  There are currently 278 volumes in this series.

Computer hacking, Computer crimes               --Virginia McGarvey

Gerdes, Louise I. Cybercrime.

Gerdes, Louise I.  Cybercrime.  Cengage (Gale/Blackbirch/Greenhaven)    2013 243p  ISBN 978-0-7377-6313-3 series: Opposing Viewpoints  ms/hs  E-BNS  Nonfiction        

Cybercrime and the impact it has on society is the topic of this volume in the Opposing Viewpoint series.   The editor has compiled a selection of articles that address the devastating impact that cybercrime is having on individuals and society in general. Chapters look at whether a cybercrime constitutes a real crime or not, how this type of crime is perpetrated, and laws against cybercrime.  Many of the articles also contain sidebars that reference related topics, such as “Grooming’ Victims” found embedded in an article about online predators, on page 77, and “The Value of the Open-Source World” found embedded in an article on internet activism, on page 143.  While authors often play the role of devil’s advocate, this reader was dumbfounded to read articles supporting hacking and its impact on the security of any nation.  Also, it seems ill-conceived to use an article from “Extra!” as a source, even though the article is well sourced and most informative. 

With consideration for addressing the Common Core, three or four questions precede each chapter that will require higher-level thinking skills.  All-in-all, this is a very informative volume about a very important issue.     As always, the Opposing Viewpoints series is a must-have for any high-school collection, and many of the titles are appropriate and useful at the middle-school level as well.

Summary: Cybercrime and the impact it has on society is the topic of this volume in the Opposing Viewpoint series.      The editor has compiled a selection of articles that address the devastating impact that cybercrime is having on individuals and society in general.

Computer crimes                                             --Lynn Fisher