The Devil Inside the Beltway: The Shocking Expose of the US Government's Surveillance and Overreach Into Cybersecurity, Medicine and Small Business

by Michael J. Daugherty

"The Devil Inside the Beltway." This chilling and personal story that reveals, in detail, how the Federal Trade Commission repeatedly bungled a critically important cybersecurity investigation and betrayed the American public. Michael J. Daugherty, author and CEO of LabMD in Atlanta, uncovers and details an extraordinary government surveillance program that compromised national security and invaded the privacy of tens of millions of online users worldwide.

Background: The FTC, charged with protecting consumers from unfairness and deception, was directed by Congress to investigate software companies in an effort to stop a growing epidemic of file leaks that exposed military, financial and medical data, and the leaks didn't stop there. As a result of numerous missteps, beginning by "working directly with" malware developers, such as Limewire, instead of investigating them, the agency allowed security leaks to continue for years. When summoned before Congressional Oversight three times since 2003, the agency painted a picture of improving security when in fact leaks were worsening. Then, rather than focus on the real problem of stopping the malware, the FTC diverted Congress' attention from the FTC's failure to protect consumers by playing "get the horses back in the barn." How? By attacking small business.

"The Devil Inside the Beltway" is riveting. It begins when an aggressive cybersecurity company, with retired General Wesley Clark on its advisory board, downloads the private health information of thousands of LabMD's patients. The company, Tiversa, campaigns for LabMD to hire them. After numerous failed attempts to procure LabMD's business, Tiversa's lawyer informs LabMD that Tiversa will be handing the downloaded file to the FTC. Within this page turner, Daugherty unveils that Tiversa was already working with Dartmouth, having received a significant portion of a $24,000,000 grant from Homeland Security to monitor for files. The reason for the investigation was this: Peer to peer software companies build back doors into their technology that allows for illicit and unapproved file sharing. When individual files are accessed, as in the case of LabMD, proprietary information can be taken. Tiversa, as part of its assignment, downloaded over 13 million files, many containing financial, medical and top secret military data.

Daugherty's book exposes a systematic and alarming investigation by one of the US Government's most important agencies. The consequences of their actions will plague Americans and their businesses for years.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, History

504 pages, Hardcover

First published September 17, 2013

About the author

Michael J. Daugherty is President & CEO of LabMD, a cancer detection facility based in Atlanta, GA. Michael has recently released his first book, The Devil Inside the Beltway. A non-fiction thriller with themes of cyber security, government overreach, and American small business.

Outside of LabMD, enjoys playing tennis, travel, and flying his Cirrus SR22 Turbo single engine aircraft. He is a member of the University of Michigan Alumni Association, the Atlanta Aero Club, and the Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association.Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Mike holds a BA in Economics from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and has resided in Atlanta since 1987, when he moved to Atlanta from Portland, Oregon.

Reviews

[Lynda Dickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "The Devil Inside the Beltway", Michael J. Daugherty tells his remarkable story of the powers of the government over the "little people". This is an example of government bureaucracy at its finest. After being unfairly treated by the Federal Trade Commission, Michael undertakes a David and Goliath fight for the future of his company, LabMD; all the while with lawyers out to bill him for all they can get.

This is a well-written, compelling, true life account that reads like a thriller. The dialogue is at times stilted, the narrative is a bit repetitive, and it's a bit long at over 500 pages including endnotes, bibliography, and supporting documents throughout. However, it always remains a page-turner. Michael presents a compelling argument against the abuse of power by a government department. My only concern is that the story is one-sided, and I'm not sure of the ethical implications of writing a book about ongoing legal proceedings. It will be interesting to see how the other parties involved react to this publication.

Unfortunately, this book finishes before the story ends - because the end has not yet happened. I hope it all works out in Michael's favor, and I look forward to reading the next installment in his ongoing saga.

To quote the author's favorite dictionary, the Merriam-Webster, the "Beltway" is the "political and social world of Washington D.C.". The "Devil inside the Beltway" refers to the Federal Trade Commission, a government body that has become a law unto itself, with no checks and balances to keep it under control.

I received this book for the purpose of providing an honest review.

[Donna Wetzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Thanks Goodreads. Expected it to be a slow read, instead I couldn't put it down. For anyone that wants to learn how intrusive the government can be, this is the book for you. Also gives an interesting take on large law firms. Highly recommend.

[Patricia Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was an eye opener. To me it's a must read for every American. Very detailed and told where anyone can understand it. Reminds me of the book 1984.

[Violet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely terrifying what the government will do. Well written and draws you in. A must read!!!

[Angie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lets not kid ourselves and pretend like Mike Daugherty was Mr. Pro-Government before any of the FTC shenanigans plagued his business. Riddled with anti-government quotes and worshiping at the throne of Ronald Reagan, Daugherty tries to paint his battle with a David v. Goliath brush that overdoes it just a tad. (I wrote that note while on page 86. On page 103, he actually uses the D v. G comparison for the first of many many times). I'm not arguing that he was treated fairly or that he shouldn't be upset over the actions of the FTC as he outlined in the book, but dialing back on the righteousness wouldn't hurt.



Every dozen or so pages, he'll remind you that his attorneys aren't working for free. The phrase "billable hours" is used about 46546135 times. Later, you're treated to a recap of a conversation with an attorney about what he would and would not be billed for, down to arguing over one-tenth of an hour billing breakdowns.



He used the term 'Federal Leviathan." Because a pain in the ass government employed lawyer is EXACTLY the same as the worst creature the Old Testament could cook up.


(Yeah it's the Supernatural version of a Leviathan but it's super creepy.)

He spends 350+ pages talking about "sticking it to The Man" while...doing exactly as they say. He waits over two years to google the company that started the mess that overtook his life. In TWO YEARS he didn't think of getting the least bit of background on them? Really?



He had a myriad of attorneys over the course of four years and no one through of filing a FOIA until May 2012. It's the government. It's public record. This should've been one of the first things they did.

At one point, he compared the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) to the movie Dangerous Liaisons because...uh yeah, I didn't get that part either. Later, he cast himself as Michael Corleone in The Godfather planning the murders of the heads of the Five Families, which is exactly the same as complying with government agency and being unhappy about it. I'm not kidding.

Another gem: The federal government could've stopped Julian Assange and Wikileaks if they hadn't been so concerned with Daugherty's small lab in Atlanta. The ego on this guy is insane. If Daugherty is so concerned about looking like an ace (and he is, make no mistake about it), he should've hired a copy editor that would've caught the many mistakes throughout the book.

A favorite moment was when he compared dumping a lawyer to the death of Anne Boelyn. Because nothing says ending a professional relationship like beheading the sitting Queen of England.

When he didn't like Julie Brill's comments about working on behalf of the people against unfair business practices, he somehow related that to Communist China.

Here's the best things I can say about the book:
1. It's easy to understand. No need for a vast amount of legal experience to understand it.
2. Um....the cover is cool looking.

There's a disclaimer tucked in the front of the book alongside the copyright info and ISBN and other fun book stuff. It basically says "I don't remember all the exact conversations so I took liberties dramatizing for effect." Ya think? No one actually talks the way Daugherty writes himself. Soooo many metaphors that are out of place and straight up cheesy. I spent so much time rolling my eyes.

Here's the biggest issue: Michael Daugherty may be a perfectly nice person, but he comes off as such an ass and is proud of that fact throughout the book and his public persona.

He's a rightwing conservative that hates the government BEFORE all of this, so there are so many times he doesn't try to hide his prejudices for Democrats or anyone not beating the "repeal all regulations!" drum.

He shows a ton of disdain for academia despite having graduated from the University of Michigan. Because that makes sense?

At one point, he slams Obama for for appointing people in charge of his troubles despite the fact that breach (yeah I said it!) took place in February 2008 and was brought to his attention in May 2008. That's eight months before Obama was elected and almost a year before he was sworn into office but whatever! Pesky details!

"But he had a bad experience so of course he's going to come off a little miffed while telling his story!"

Fair enough. Let's take a deeper look at Daugherty. His website is used to push his book and reblog all the good press for it. No issues there. Oh he's on Twitter? Lets take a gander, shall we?

He regularly retweets Rand "I don't understand what plagiarism is" Paul. You may recall Rand Paul recently challenging a female journalist to a dual. No, really.

He shows love for Ted Cruz, Tea Party sweetheart and Dr. Suess aficionado.

And, as required, commentary of Obama. The commentary? Oh no bigs, just saying the President of United States suffers from mental illness. YAY PATRIOTISM!

Daugherty closes his book by talking about tyranny. Maybe he should look into that a little more because, if this were a country under control of a tyrant, he would be killed and dragged through the streets for speaking out against his government. So really, not the same thing at all. Surprise! He also likened "broad, long and unclear requests letters" to PHYSICAL TORTURE.

Oh, he also claims that the Founding Fathers set up three branches of government to protect against the likes of Hitler. I had no idea George Washington & Co. were psychics that could see the future and/or had a crystal ball. So jealous.

I can't even begin to explain how much of a waste of time this book turned out to be. Thank goodness I didn't actually pay for it.

The full disclosure: I won a copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads giveaways.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Devil Inside the Beltway is a MUST read for everyone that thinks they have heard about the abuse of the privacy of private citizens by the Federal government (this time with FTC at the lead). One basic question kept going through my mind as I read the account of years of 'investigation' and legal game, "How can the victim of thief be the party that did wrong?" Michael Daugherty's company had files STOLEN, without giving permission to the thief. They are the victim!!!

The Devil Inside the Beltway tells every detail from when a private company, Tiversa, Inc. (one of the thieves) called LabMD, Inc. to inform LabMD, Inc. that they had taken 1718 pages of patient information, you have a security problem so hire us (the thief) to fix it for you; no we will not give you your file back but we will share it with Congress, the FTC and in so doing share the PRIVATE medical records of your sick clients, if you do not hire us. How dumb would that be? One thing Michael Daugherty is not and that is dumb.

The extreme lengths and dirty tricks that the FTC goes to make LabMD, Inc. and Michael Daugherty into the party that is wrong is unbelievable. The appeal process where the internal people in control of the FTC decide all appeals and the person making the appeal is not allowed representation at the appeal hearing. Does this sound like due process that our nation's Constitution was based upon?

The Devil Inside the Beltway tells of the worst abuse of personal rights you can imagine. Mr. Daugherty deserves the highest respect for his ability and willingness to fight the giant blob like government slim machine that gobbles up citizens with no conscience or moral compass. The government bureaucratic blog gobbles private enterprise just to give the lawyers working in the blog jollies; the Founding Fathers and writers or our Constitution must be spinning in their graves over what has become 'normal' in the departments of the Federal government. It is an outrage that they do this; that they get away with it is way scary.

The Devil in the Beltway is a must read if you REALLY want to know how our government works for us, not scratch that ~ against us as citizens.

My thanks go to both Michael J. Daugherty for his generosity and to First Reads Books sponsored by Goodreads where I won this book.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this as a Goodread's first reads program. This book was interesting and gave me consideration behind the powers of our regulatory commissions. I don't consider myself a conspiracy theorist in any fashion, and found myself questioning whether this book was really fact or fiction several times. As a non- fiction book, this work should give any reader pause regarding where our political system's checks and balances have evolved into, how big businesses and corporations lobby through their dominance, how enforced rules may be in constant change, and how liberties have been altered since 9/11. The allegations and documentation s are well written, leading one to believe either the reported incidents did indeed occur, or the author is a terrific Fiction writer. i often believe there are three truths, one party's truth, the other party's truth, and somewhere in the middle, a third truth that brings the other two truths together. I believe I every reader will need to read and decide for themselves where the truth lies.

[Randy Quarles · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Devil Inside the Beltway is a depressingly true story of federal government bullies and a small-business owner who stands up to them. It’s an intriguing and worthwhile read. Other small-business owners should find it particularly disturbing.

The book is about gross overreaching by the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC imposes huge costs on author Michael Daugherty’s cancer-detection laboratory as the result of an incident involving the inadvertent (and unknowing) release of a computer file containing confidential information about several thousand individuals. The release of such information from a company computer could certainly be very serious. But the catch here is that the only known release was to a private cybersecurity outfit, funded in part by the federal government, that engaged in an aggressive, sophisticated and widespread effort to obtain such confidential files surreptitiously—to show that it could be done. The same outfit also harvested secret federal government information. According to the book, Mr. Daugherty’s company didn’t violate any IT security standards that were in place at the time, and there is no evidence that anyone was harmed by the release of the file.

Mr. Daugherty’s book explores weighty constitutional questions about the FTC’s conduct, such as federal jurisdiction and due process. And then there’s the supreme irony of it all. The government that’s pounding Mr. Daugherty’s company for a single disclosure several years ago is the same government that let an emotionally troubled enlisted man walk away with wartime secrets and broadcast them to the world through Wikileaks. Even after that gross breach of security, the same government gave super-sensitive details of the NSA’s spying activities to a college dropout in a relatively low-level contracting job, only to see those secrets revealed around the globe.

Next thing you know, the federal government will probably be penalizing citizens for constructing websites that don’t work.

[Cheryl Dietr · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** Disclosure-I won this book in a Goodreads contest***

For some reason I just didn't want to read this book. I had recently been reading "heavy" books and figured this would just be more of the same. I was wrong. The book is very well written, keeps moving forward at a good clip and because you can identify with "the little guy" going up against "the big, bad bully" theme; the reader easily becomes engrossed in the story. And this is a story that MUST be told and I salute the author for exposing the FTC and their unethical practices.

My only criticism stems from the fact that the author repeated the same thoughts a little too often throughout the story but I suspect had I been the victim of this government fiasco, I too, would have burned some things into my brain so many times that I they would become a major theme in my life as well as my book

THe Devil Inside of the Beltway is a compelling, edge-of-your-seat book that will make you question what people out there in Cyberland have of yours and wonder how the hell you can get it back.

I will be sending this on to my son who is a computer security expert.

[Cameron · Rating 2 out of 5]

**I received this book as a part of Goodreads giveaways**


The one thing that can be said about this book is that Daugherty clearly wants to provide readers with details of his story and fight against the FTC. every detail. From reprinting emails, to providing lengthy descriptions of how his business, LabMD, processes tissue samples (details that are totally irrelevant), to every time he curses while confused, I quickly lost patience with this book. Yes, it is a quick read, which is merciful as it shortens the time spent reading the prose. Looking at The Devil Inside the Beltway as a story, it does have some merits and tells an interesting story. However, in terms of actual literary value and writing style, this is very much not a good read.

[Doc Sheldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The decision to write this exposé as a novel was wise - I found it impossible to put down. Daugherty tells his story well, drawing you in, until you share his frustration, bewilderment and fury.
Simply describing the ongoing events described in the book as "Shocking" doesn't do it justice. The way that some parts of our government conduct themselves is disturbing, chilling and frightening... did I forget to mention infuriating?
For anyone that would have a better understanding of the ways in which a government can become dysfunctional and counterproductive, I highly recommend The Devil Inside the Beltway.
Perhaps you think it won't affect you? Hold that thought!

[Kathy Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book documenting the power the government wields. Mr. Daugherty has shown his mettle in sharing his experiences. This book should be read by everyone who still believes in truth, justice, and the American way. Hopefully there will be a second book documenting the rest of this company's battle.

[Jason Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A highly addictive read from start to finish. Thoroughly enjoyed both Michaels' fervent unrelentesssnes against Big Goverment and his equally entertaining literary prowess. A must read!!

[Gabrielle Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good to hear about his experience. Some redundancy. No closure/outcome because book was released before conclusion of FTC proceedings.

[Marie Herman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Devil Inside the Beltway:
The Shocking Expose of the Us Government's Surveillance and Overreach Into Cyber security, Medicine and Small Business
Review:

Four Stars
Okay,
this book was an emotional roller coaster, and finding the words to review it, even more so. It should be noted, that this review is more than fifty percent my personal preference due to the circumstances of this story more than most, it being an account of real events and all.

His bias, it was evident. As the supposedly 'little guy' compared to the 'big guy,' I wasn't surprised to see how much government bashing there was in this book, and how little information there was, most of it hidden under a load of bias to make the reader believe contrary, to show otherwise. This was the account of one man's life being turned upside down, and the exploration of how corrupt the world truly can be.(see Amazon.com for an idea of what it's about structured-wise than the theme. It's actually really good!) A very fascinating theme, life, story, ect, no matter what you want to call it. It was interesting.

There were several times that I chanted in my head "It's just a book, it's just a book" to try to will myself out of just how sick to my stomach I felt, but the thing is, it's Nonfiction, it being just a book, isn't too comforting on that part. I'm pretty sure that that's how Daugherty wanted to impact his readers, to keep them thinking. He succeeded, I think I have a little more hate towards the Government than when I started reading this book. Kudos to him.

The writing was your average, basic writing, which is very well expected from someone who isn't a 'writer by profession,' which is completely fine with me. It wasn't bad or anything, it wasn't confusing, and it definitely didn't flow like poetry(It sounded fragmented and rough on the tongue sometimes.) So, I have no complaints about it, but for someone who finds it really annoying when there's that idea that 'anyone could have written this given the life experience,' just think before you start to read this, and even more so if you're also that type of person to want to post every single little detail that you had a problem on with the book in a review(ignore the run on sentence please ;) ) this will help both you save time, and the author.(Sounds hypocritical, but it is MY job as a reviewer to warn you of these things, I'm not ranting on, and on, and on... ) But, for the basic reader out there, it might even be refreshing to have a book that is written as if someone was just orally telling you a story and not trying to amaze you with dazzling words or anything.

"You deserve to at least understand the truth before you choose to enter.
Lesson learned: Put your fear, not your faith, in judges. There is a code of silence that insulates from accountability but for the worst transgressions. Let the scars heal and move on . . . and don’t go back unless you are fighting for the greater good. Justice, like loyalty, is a gentle charade.
Lesson learned: Don’t look at it. Don’t listen to it. Say a prayer." - The Devil Inside the Beltway
Describes the book in one sentence. Its ups, its downs, its trials, its triumphs, and its bias, and man, did this author have a lot of bias when it comes to his beliefs, I really felt his voice yelling at me throughout the novel(See above paragraph)

"The FTC perversely terrifies industry, engages in psychological
warfare, avoids the courts, and tortures its victims with slow, infi-nite, and expensive investigations. It drains them dry while look-ing askance at everyone who disagrees with it, including any and all other branches of government. These federal agents—civil ser-vants—waste taxpayer dollars and drain away employer dollars that fuel economic growth and jobs."- The Devil Inside the Beltway
This quote describes the plot line pretty well, and the things that the author had to go through, maybe even better than the back-cover itself, if this sounds interesting to you, then you MUST read this book. End of story.

Although there were a couple POV's demonstrated in this book that I don't necessarily agree with, they were backed up with some evidence(no matter how credulous of a reader the author seemed to need to back it up), and the story itself was original(It's a NonFiction Book, let's be honest, some people's lives are meant to be put into a NonFiction books, others, not so much. This was is).
This book deserves four stars, no less, no more.

[Gabriella Gricius · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why Read: One of the first NetGalley books I actually downloaded, it took me longer than it should have to begin reading it. I am already an avid reader of political stories and scandals… and to read something that really implicated the government has always been something on my list. So, at least I can check that one off!

Review: It’s hard to describe The Devil Inside the Beltway. Some would call it the ranting and raving of a man possessed with vehement hatred against the FTC; then again, there are others like me, who would call it informative. If there’s one thing to make you read this book, it is that there is much more going on behind the scenes of our federal government than you think.

Written in first person, the book follows the main character (Daugherty) through his struggles with the FTC, different lawyers, and keeping his own company, LabMD strong and able to compete. Although the majority of the book was me sighing in sadness as the company was targeted time after time again, it certainly shed light upon he bureaucratic system of governance that we call normal.

Admittedly there were some long-winded parts with legal decisions and lawyer correspondence, but ultimately if you have an interest in legally minded documents and their dissection: you will enjoy it. Daugherty has a witty sense of humor that extends not only to the government’s targeting of him, but also of his own naivety at the beginning of the book. It is certainly a refreshing change of pace to read something so blunt.

So readers: yes. I recommend it. But keep in mind, you’ll feel the urge to do some serious research after the fact…

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

[Fredric Rice · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fascinating look in to the brain of a far right wing Republican extremist who hates government because said government is stopping far right wing Republican extremists from turning the United States in to a lawless third world dung heap country, just as Trump and the Republican Party would like to see, seemingly on orders from Vladimir Putin.

This crybaby complaint pretending to be a novel is one man's fight against the United States while thinking that his far right wing opinions are "the silent majority."

A stupid complaint by a stupid man living in a stupid fantasy, utterly stupid to spend money to pay this imbecile to read.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Devil Inside the Beltway is the true story of what our government did to a small business owner of a medical testing lab when one department hacked into his company and then the FTC found his security lacking. It is sad to see the power in government being used in this manner. All informed Americans should read The Devil Inside the Beltway to find out what is really happening today in our government. It is a real eye opener and I wish Michael J. Daugherty the best of luck in his fight for his company and freedom.

[Carole Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating book! I learned more about the Federal Trade Commission than I ever thought possible. It was also just interesting to follow the shenanigans of our government. Amazing. Well written considering the author was not a writer. It was a little heavy in lawyer speak, but that was probably necessary. I'm passing it on.

[Sam Elliott · Rating 1 out of 5]

One sided account from someone who doesn't appear to be able to take responsibility. The company leaked PII due to inadequate info sec practices and didn't notify their clients. This book is nearly 500 pages of complaining that LabMD shouldn't be held accountable and is in fact a victim. Claiming ignorance or naiveté doesn't mean it didn't happen. Strange.

[Linda Klages · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a goodreads win for me. The book was VERY detailed on what had happened to him and his company dealing with government red tape. It's not an easy read but you don't want to stop in the middle of it either.

[Book Him Danno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and yet disturbing book on how DC works and functions and how the outside world as no idea what is really going on.
Advance Copy from netgalley