Brian Burt's Blog: Work in Progress - Posts Tagged "security"

I just finished reading an awesome pair of science fiction novels by Daniel Suarez: Daemon, and its compelling sequel, Freedom™. A friend at work recommended them to me (and even loaned me the books!). They're right up my alley, as I love SF and happen to be a career "computer geek" for my day job, with a recent focus on information security. These novels, clearly written by someone with deep knowledge in these areas, refine the whole concept of "malware." They explore the dark (and, at the same time, hopeful) places our reliance on information technology might take us as software controls more of our lives, our environments, and our livelihoods.

If you're familiar with the term the internet of things, then you can imagine some of the challenges faced by the main characters in these novels as they first try to stop the Daemon that is spreading across the internet, wresting control from the prevailing societal powers-that-be. Then, as Book 2 progresses, you're faced with the same conundrum that bedevils the protagonist: ultimately, is the Daemon wearing a black hat, a white hat, or perhaps clad in messy shades of gray? Would the modern world be better with or without the influence of genius game designer Matthew Sobol's emotionless, cybernetic game master?

The Daemon is terrifying in many ways. It has no compassion, no sense of mercy. It is ruled by the cruel calculus of "optimal social outcomes" and "the end justifies the means." But, as it establishes a virtual society in "D-space" where everyone can up-vote or down-vote a proposal, a pure meritocracy where your reputation rises and falls based on how righteously you interact with others, you see the method to Sobol's madness. In his view, the fate of humanity has been concentrated in the hands of a few wealthy, elite, ruthless power-brokers who pull the strings of government, the economy, and the welfare of most "average" people. By subverting their digital resources and bastions of power, the Daemon becomes a democratizing force.

So is the Daemon good or bad for humanity? And, if you were given the power to decide, would you preserve it or destroy it?

It's a fascinating story line. The plots of both books are relentless, with plenty of thrills, chills, twists and turns. Bad things happen to good people, and vice versa, before the entire tale plays out. This story will keep you guessing. It will also force you to reconsider the (steadily blurring) boundary between the real and the virtual.

If you're a fan of MMORPG's, worry about cyber-security, or just like using social media, these novels will challenge your assumptions and stretch your imagination. The Daemon's world may not be such a bad end-state after all. And we may all learn to depend on our avatars in the not-too-distant future.

If I'm broke, will you loan me some darknet credits? I promise to rate you 5 stars and help you level up in the redefined Game of Life, Daemon style!

#SFWApro