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The All Seeing Digital Eyes
A Guide to Privacy, Security & Literacy!
This book is the result of all my experiences, and my research into what I should tell my 13-year-old daughter, as she is taking her first steps online, flying solo. When I was explaining to her why she would not get her first smart phone until she turns 18, why she cannot have a social media account when all her friends have one and why she has restricted access on our family PC and no personal laptop; I found it relevant to convert all this content into a book, which could help many others in decision making regarding their life online.
My daughter’s current cellphone has a small display, a number pad and no internet; she can text her friends and call them if needed, but I guess, she is feeling some peer pressure. She wants a social media account, but we told her she needs to turn 18 to be “Spiderman” – with great power comes great responsibility. Social media carries great power, you should grow up and be a responsible adult to start using such powers.
My nature of work requires me to spend a lot of time online, but I always try to ensure that my digital footprint is minimum. I value my freedom of speech and my right to privacy, which has encouraged me in writing this book.
This book's objective is to educating technology users about safety, security and privacy. Inside you’ll find research-based safety tips and tools, advise, parents’ guide and commentary on different aspects of tech use and policy.
This is not a technical book, even if many tips and tricks are shared to secure oneself.
The book is written in 3 parts with each part having specific objectives around Privacy, Security and Literacy. Part 1 and 2 serve as a guide for novice internet users (children and teens) and people affected by cyber exploitation on how to safeguard yourself. It would also teach the ‘Digitally Literate’ population on what is going on behind the scene, when you use technology. Part 3 adds value with guidelines in setting up a positive and professional online persona. It brushes on Media Literacy and Critical thinking, and finally concludes with parental tips on how to handhold their children onto technology.
The book is structured with each chapter being independent, and continuous reading is not required to understand the fundamental concepts.
I do not intend to dictate to you what to do or what not to do with your electronic devices. The purpose here is to give you relevant information, so that you could take intelligent decisions, about your privacy and security.
I believe…
… with digital surveillance, no one can escape “the All-seeing Digital Eyes.”
… there is no magic formula to protect yourself from the digital eyes. This book would disappoint you, if you are looking for one.
… good understanding of this book would help you manage your electronics and data better.
… social media is designed to be addictive, it thrives on our desire for fame and feedback.
… digital literacy has created a vast number of novice consumers, who are being exploited and manipulated.
… your online persona is as important as your bio-data.
… media literacy is essential for consumers and creators alike.
… critical thinking is a philosophy. It is easy and hard at the same time.
... critical thinking can be taught but needs constant practice to master.
… you can be the guide for your generation to come.
- Neville J Kattakayam
This book is the result of all my experiences, and my research into what I should tell my 13-year-old daughter, as she is taking her first steps online, flying solo. When I was explaining to her why she would not get her first smart phone until she turns 18, why she cannot have a social media account when all her friends have one and why she has restricted access on our family PC and no personal laptop; I found it relevant to convert all this content into a book, which could help many others in decision making regarding their life online.
My daughter’s current cellphone has a small display, a number pad and no internet; she can text her friends and call them if needed, but I guess, she is feeling some peer pressure. She wants a social media account, but we told her she needs to turn 18 to be “Spiderman” – with great power comes great responsibility. Social media carries great power, you should grow up and be a responsible adult to start using such powers.
My nature of work requires me to spend a lot of time online, but I always try to ensure that my digital footprint is minimum. I value my freedom of speech and my right to privacy, which has encouraged me in writing this book.
This book's objective is to educating technology users about safety, security and privacy. Inside you’ll find research-based safety tips and tools, advise, parents’ guide and commentary on different aspects of tech use and policy.
This is not a technical book, even if many tips and tricks are shared to secure oneself.
The book is written in 3 parts with each part having specific objectives around Privacy, Security and Literacy. Part 1 and 2 serve as a guide for novice internet users (children and teens) and people affected by cyber exploitation on how to safeguard yourself. It would also teach the ‘Digitally Literate’ population on what is going on behind the scene, when you use technology. Part 3 adds value with guidelines in setting up a positive and professional online persona. It brushes on Media Literacy and Critical thinking, and finally concludes with parental tips on how to handhold their children onto technology.
The book is structured with each chapter being independent, and continuous reading is not required to understand the fundamental concepts.
I do not intend to dictate to you what to do or what not to do with your electronic devices. The purpose here is to give you relevant information, so that you could take intelligent decisions, about your privacy and security.
I believe…
… with digital surveillance, no one can escape “the All-seeing Digital Eyes.”
… there is no magic formula to protect yourself from the digital eyes. This book would disappoint you, if you are looking for one.
… good understanding of this book would help you manage your electronics and data better.
… social media is designed to be addictive, it thrives on our desire for fame and feedback.
… digital literacy has created a vast number of novice consumers, who are being exploited and manipulated.
… your online persona is as important as your bio-data.
… media literacy is essential for consumers and creators alike.
… critical thinking is a philosophy. It is easy and hard at the same time.
... critical thinking can be taught but needs constant practice to master.
… you can be the guide for your generation to come.
- Neville J Kattakayam
- GenresNonfiction
173 pages, Paperback
Published September 20, 2018
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 19, 2018
The all-seeing digital eyes is a debut book of Neville J Kattakayam. This book gives an insight into the internet threats and how to avoid it. The title and cover of the book go perfectly with the content.
Read full review - Blog
Actual Rating - 4.5 stars
Read full review - Blog
Actual Rating - 4.5 stars
January 4, 2019
Blog: Ipshita's Book Alley
If you have a mistrust of electronic devices and sharing your personal info online, and want to be aware of how that information might be used against you or how you can safeguard yourself as much as possible then this is a book you should definitely look into. (Phew, that was a seriously long sentence!)
“... technology is also being used to analyze, predict, manipulate and even control human behavior.”
In the easiest of words, the author tries to describe the "various pitfalls and traps" of using the internet.
“The objective of this book is to make you aware of various pitfalls and traps that you may face from modern technology, while using your electronic devices.”
The All Seeing Digital Eyes is a well-explained book, with examples stated and described to accommodate even the layman's understanding. And not just the layman but even the “digitally literate" people may not always be aware of the information leaching until they find themselves a victim of it.
“Software today is designed and engineered to make it easy for digitally literate people to continue using programs and apps with high efficiency; but without knowing the vulnerabilities or threats it poses towards you.”
It also takes a look into how various websites, e-commerce, search-engines, social accounts and apps function. How safe the Wifi, ATM machines or GPS are. The difference between private data and public data, the extent of how much personal data one should share and what all one is giving away by agreeing to their “Terms of Services”. It discusses the threats one can face on the internet from harmless trolls to cyber-bullying to Phishing (something I'm personally paranoid about) and what one should keep in mind to safeguard yourselves.
One of the best features of this book is that it keeps everything concise and succinct, and the chapters are clearly divided. It is a short enough read to finish in a couple of sitting which is a refreshing break from handling thick tomes on computer handling and internet.
My sincere thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
If you have a mistrust of electronic devices and sharing your personal info online, and want to be aware of how that information might be used against you or how you can safeguard yourself as much as possible then this is a book you should definitely look into. (Phew, that was a seriously long sentence!)
“... technology is also being used to analyze, predict, manipulate and even control human behavior.”
In the easiest of words, the author tries to describe the "various pitfalls and traps" of using the internet.
“The objective of this book is to make you aware of various pitfalls and traps that you may face from modern technology, while using your electronic devices.”
The All Seeing Digital Eyes is a well-explained book, with examples stated and described to accommodate even the layman's understanding. And not just the layman but even the “digitally literate" people may not always be aware of the information leaching until they find themselves a victim of it.
“Software today is designed and engineered to make it easy for digitally literate people to continue using programs and apps with high efficiency; but without knowing the vulnerabilities or threats it poses towards you.”
It also takes a look into how various websites, e-commerce, search-engines, social accounts and apps function. How safe the Wifi, ATM machines or GPS are. The difference between private data and public data, the extent of how much personal data one should share and what all one is giving away by agreeing to their “Terms of Services”. It discusses the threats one can face on the internet from harmless trolls to cyber-bullying to Phishing (something I'm personally paranoid about) and what one should keep in mind to safeguard yourselves.
One of the best features of this book is that it keeps everything concise and succinct, and the chapters are clearly divided. It is a short enough read to finish in a couple of sitting which is a refreshing break from handling thick tomes on computer handling and internet.
My sincere thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2018
We live in an era where privacy is a dream. There would not be a single person who haven't wondered why I am getting personalized ads even if I don't do the search for the same. There would be lakhs and crores of people who have been victims of cyber bullying, phishing, etc. All seeing Digital eyes is a one stop solution for all problems that we face through internet.
There would be so many people out there including me who used to keep their location on all the time. The kind of risk that you take by doing this is not comprehensible unless and until you read the book. Similarly saving your bank details in your phone. Keeping pattern lock is what 99% Android users rely on. After reading the book, all of them are sure to switch to passwords, that to alphanumeric ones. The book gives us an idea and courage to deal with cyber bullying, phishing,sextortion, cat fishing, revenge porn and many more cyber crimes.
The level of effort taken in drafting the book is palpable. Author has put in sincere effort to help the people all over the world. After about many months I got to read a book that is complete in every sense. I would love to have a paperback copy of the book and keep it in my book shelf forever so that even my kids and grandchildren could make use of it.
There would be so many people out there including me who used to keep their location on all the time. The kind of risk that you take by doing this is not comprehensible unless and until you read the book. Similarly saving your bank details in your phone. Keeping pattern lock is what 99% Android users rely on. After reading the book, all of them are sure to switch to passwords, that to alphanumeric ones. The book gives us an idea and courage to deal with cyber bullying, phishing,sextortion, cat fishing, revenge porn and many more cyber crimes.
The level of effort taken in drafting the book is palpable. Author has put in sincere effort to help the people all over the world. After about many months I got to read a book that is complete in every sense. I would love to have a paperback copy of the book and keep it in my book shelf forever so that even my kids and grandchildren could make use of it.
November 7, 2018
The All Seeing Digital Eyes by Neille J Kattakayam is a tremendous book for all netizens and others who want to learn about the cyber realm. Social media, Internet and the use of smart phones have become an essential and integrated part of our lives. They have become lifetime companion for our young people as well as others whose dependence on them is a sure fact. On reading this book you fathom the other side of the on line world and you would be able to safeguard yourself from unwanted threats. Your navigations would not land you in any sort of trouble. .
The author advises us to be careful and cautious about the ill effects that can be avoided if we act with prudence. . He narrates many dangers, pitfalls, and risks which we may encounter due to our recklessness of surfing .
Using a liberal dose of anecdotes, examples of real-life experiences that we can relate to, the author warns us to be aware of loss due to the wrong choices and the subsequent dire consequences. We should become tech-savvy enough to have a safe online journey
The book is written in the first person and the writing style is easy to follow. The technical jargon may see to be alien to new readers but the language used is to make all understand what the author wants to tell.
The nuggets of knowledge would be useful to you in your personal life when you go through the virtual world.
There are three parts their title being 1. Technology stack 2. Threats to you while the online and 3.Take control
There are today 19 chapters.My favorites are
We are Data
Revenge porn
Your online persona
From the Internet, the book discusses all the subjects like Trolling, Doxing,Bullying hacking etc. The book covers DarkNet also .It warns about the Home Wi-Fi a sweet spot that cyber criminals could try to attack they are targeting you.
There are tips for you and parents on various precautionary measures. The author has written this book with a idea to enlighten his daughter and hence the book may seem to target parents with teen age children
Top 3 tips for safe online journey.
Create an Avatar -which represents the real you, but do not directly link up to you
If it is for free , then YOU are the Product
Explain to your children abut Stranger Danger and the dangers of radicalization early on .
There are spelling mistakes and the book needs some more editing . Language is good and it could be better.
Overall this interesting and informative book on Internet and digital word has come at a relevant time when there are so many issues, problems and sufferings come into light owing to the half knowledge of Internet . A quick and must read by all who work on line and off line to make the life safer when we go through the virtual world.
The author advises us to be careful and cautious about the ill effects that can be avoided if we act with prudence. . He narrates many dangers, pitfalls, and risks which we may encounter due to our recklessness of surfing .
Using a liberal dose of anecdotes, examples of real-life experiences that we can relate to, the author warns us to be aware of loss due to the wrong choices and the subsequent dire consequences. We should become tech-savvy enough to have a safe online journey
The book is written in the first person and the writing style is easy to follow. The technical jargon may see to be alien to new readers but the language used is to make all understand what the author wants to tell.
The nuggets of knowledge would be useful to you in your personal life when you go through the virtual world.
There are three parts their title being 1. Technology stack 2. Threats to you while the online and 3.Take control
There are today 19 chapters.My favorites are
We are Data
Revenge porn
Your online persona
From the Internet, the book discusses all the subjects like Trolling, Doxing,Bullying hacking etc. The book covers DarkNet also .It warns about the Home Wi-Fi a sweet spot that cyber criminals could try to attack they are targeting you.
There are tips for you and parents on various precautionary measures. The author has written this book with a idea to enlighten his daughter and hence the book may seem to target parents with teen age children
Top 3 tips for safe online journey.
Create an Avatar -which represents the real you, but do not directly link up to you
If it is for free , then YOU are the Product
Explain to your children abut Stranger Danger and the dangers of radicalization early on .
There are spelling mistakes and the book needs some more editing . Language is good and it could be better.
Overall this interesting and informative book on Internet and digital word has come at a relevant time when there are so many issues, problems and sufferings come into light owing to the half knowledge of Internet . A quick and must read by all who work on line and off line to make the life safer when we go through the virtual world.
November 12, 2018
This book is an eye-opener. Smart phone, computers and internet are integrated part of our lives, now. We don't step out of our house without an internet laced phone.What we don't realise is, that in wake of convenience and false security, we have put our safety and privacy to threat. This book is an able guideline for all the netizens and even simple mobile phone users.
The book is divided into three parts- world of technology and internet, the threats and the control measure. Using real life incidents and examples, the author has tried to make us aware of the possible threats and the safety measures to be taken to avoid them.
An action,as small as keeping your location on and saving your bank details in the phone can cause a big damage, though, i was vaguely aware of it but its intensity, I realised after reading this book.
My view:
Language is simple, even a layman can understand.
The title and the cover are apt for the book.
Real life anecdotes make it interesting and relatable.
Book covers all the aspects related to internet, technology and the cyber crime and security.
The tips suggested are very useful.
Book is error-free, though few instances were repeated but seeing the sensitivity of the topic, ot doesn't affect you much.
It has a message for parents, too.
The book is divided into three parts- world of technology and internet, the threats and the control measure. Using real life incidents and examples, the author has tried to make us aware of the possible threats and the safety measures to be taken to avoid them.
An action,as small as keeping your location on and saving your bank details in the phone can cause a big damage, though, i was vaguely aware of it but its intensity, I realised after reading this book.
My view:
Language is simple, even a layman can understand.
The title and the cover are apt for the book.
Real life anecdotes make it interesting and relatable.
Book covers all the aspects related to internet, technology and the cyber crime and security.
The tips suggested are very useful.
Book is error-free, though few instances were repeated but seeing the sensitivity of the topic, ot doesn't affect you much.
It has a message for parents, too.
November 8, 2018
This book is actually an educational book from my perspective. I grab the book thinking that with concept of Technology, there will be a story woven. But to my surprise it’s a complete source of learning.
The book is all about knowledge and security in the world of ‘Privacy is a myth’ concept. The book is divided into three parts.
In first part author has explained how internet businesses and everything works. In second part has explained online threats and drawbacks of not knowing cyber security and in third part how to take control.
The book includes different chapters like malwares, hacking, sexting, cyber bullying, trolling, etc.
My take-
▶️ Being in non technical field I found content very useful
▶️ It’s written such a way that person in non technical field can easily understand.
▶️ Almost all the aspects on cyber security are covered.
▶️ Useful tips given to be careful.
▶️ Real life examples are given that makes book more interesting.
▶️ Overall worth reading.
December 6, 2018
We live in the digital world. Technology has become a part and parcel of our daily life.
As much as we know the benefits of technology, it can also be used to analyse, predict, manipulate and even control human behavior.
This book is a very informative guide to privacy and security. I picked up this book right after I had studied Cyber Laws, so it really did make a lot more sense to me,why such a book is need of the hour. But even if you are a non-technical person or you have no background for IT, the book is going to be useful for you as it is written in a very simple language and the real life examples help understand the topic better.
To be honest, in the world where social media is a major part of our life, every person should be aware about his behavior on social media.
Awareness alone can bring a lot more responsibility to our behavior. The book covers almost all the aspects of the cyber security and gives us some useful tips.
Definitely a must read for every person.
As much as we know the benefits of technology, it can also be used to analyse, predict, manipulate and even control human behavior.
This book is a very informative guide to privacy and security. I picked up this book right after I had studied Cyber Laws, so it really did make a lot more sense to me,why such a book is need of the hour. But even if you are a non-technical person or you have no background for IT, the book is going to be useful for you as it is written in a very simple language and the real life examples help understand the topic better.
To be honest, in the world where social media is a major part of our life, every person should be aware about his behavior on social media.
Awareness alone can bring a lot more responsibility to our behavior. The book covers almost all the aspects of the cyber security and gives us some useful tips.
Definitely a must read for every person.
December 24, 2018
In today's world Internet is everything we need. The technology today has made our lives so easy and stress-free. We can talk to anyone through our mobile phones, order anything from the e businesses using our smartphones, search about anything and everything on the net etc etc etc.
We've always talked about the advantages and the ease of life , the technology has bought with it but not everything is advantageous. The internet has its own set of disadvantages and loopholes to deal with. In today's era we hear so much about cyber-bullying, revenge porn, fake news, fake videos etc which can prove to be very harmful for the targeted people or the victims.
This book deals with precautions and measures every parent should tell his/her teenage child while working on the internet. The book is divided into 3 parts - Privacy, Security and Literacy. This is an educational book which imparts knowledge about the internet- from the very basic introduction to the threats involved and how to deal with them.
The book is an informative read. Though I was aware of most of the terms but still I got to learn a lot more of what internet actually holds within. I never knew that Google stores so much of our data in it's server. The author has given some real life examples too which makes reading a lot more interesting affair. The language used by the author is easy and understandable which is a plus point as any layman can relate and read this book.
Highly recommended to all the teens and parents out there.
We've always talked about the advantages and the ease of life , the technology has bought with it but not everything is advantageous. The internet has its own set of disadvantages and loopholes to deal with. In today's era we hear so much about cyber-bullying, revenge porn, fake news, fake videos etc which can prove to be very harmful for the targeted people or the victims.
This book deals with precautions and measures every parent should tell his/her teenage child while working on the internet. The book is divided into 3 parts - Privacy, Security and Literacy. This is an educational book which imparts knowledge about the internet- from the very basic introduction to the threats involved and how to deal with them.
The book is an informative read. Though I was aware of most of the terms but still I got to learn a lot more of what internet actually holds within. I never knew that Google stores so much of our data in it's server. The author has given some real life examples too which makes reading a lot more interesting affair. The language used by the author is easy and understandable which is a plus point as any layman can relate and read this book.
Highly recommended to all the teens and parents out there.
March 16, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of The All Seeing Digital Eyes
by Neville J Kattakayam from the author and AshNel Inc in order to read and give an honest review.
… the author had done an incredible job showing us what is happening to our information and what we can do to prevent our privacy from being compromised…
Whether you are an internet veteran from the days of bulletin boards and WebCrawler (I know dating myself) to a novice just dipping their toes into the cyber water this book is for you. Neville J. Kattkayam’s initial inspiration was to write a book to help his 13-year-old daughter navigate the information age when everyone is utilizing smartphones, smart televisions, tablets and even appliances. With the advance of technology when most of our lives are controlled by the transmission of electronic information so is our personal information. The author has done an incredible job showing us what is happening to our information and what we can do to prevent our privacy from being compromised. If you have already experienced problems it’s not too late, Mr Kattkayam also includes a section to get your information secured and tips on how to proceed moving forward.
Even though this book is inspired by a 13-year old I feel this is a great guide for everyone who is on the grid, definitely a five-star in my opinion.
..via www.BelindaWitzenhausen.com
by Neville J Kattakayam from the author and AshNel Inc in order to read and give an honest review.
… the author had done an incredible job showing us what is happening to our information and what we can do to prevent our privacy from being compromised…
Whether you are an internet veteran from the days of bulletin boards and WebCrawler (I know dating myself) to a novice just dipping their toes into the cyber water this book is for you. Neville J. Kattkayam’s initial inspiration was to write a book to help his 13-year-old daughter navigate the information age when everyone is utilizing smartphones, smart televisions, tablets and even appliances. With the advance of technology when most of our lives are controlled by the transmission of electronic information so is our personal information. The author has done an incredible job showing us what is happening to our information and what we can do to prevent our privacy from being compromised. If you have already experienced problems it’s not too late, Mr Kattkayam also includes a section to get your information secured and tips on how to proceed moving forward.
Even though this book is inspired by a 13-year old I feel this is a great guide for everyone who is on the grid, definitely a five-star in my opinion.
..via www.BelindaWitzenhausen.com
June 6, 2019
Interesting look at technology
Kattakayam created The All Seeing Digital Eyes as a guide for privacy, security and literacy in the digital world. The author provides a lot of tips, and information, and it is not written in technical jargon, so those less familiar with it would still be able to read and understand the content of this book. The author has many interesting chapters, giving information, especially to protect children and teens, and even adults, by giving the reader tools to use to combat technical invasions. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Kattakayam created The All Seeing Digital Eyes as a guide for privacy, security and literacy in the digital world. The author provides a lot of tips, and information, and it is not written in technical jargon, so those less familiar with it would still be able to read and understand the content of this book. The author has many interesting chapters, giving information, especially to protect children and teens, and even adults, by giving the reader tools to use to combat technical invasions. I look forward to reading more by this author.
December 10, 2022
Bad sentence structure and spellinh but overall good information.
November 16, 2018
The book has been penned by Neville J Kattakayam who spend a considerable amount of time online thanks to his being an IT professional. This in itself lends credibility to the contents and inspires the readers to implement the suggestions provided in their everyday internet usage. According to Neville, he does not intend to dictate the digital behavior of his readers through the book. Rather his focus is on providing them with the relevant information about the responsible use of digital technology. He believes that this information can help them intelligent decisions about maintaining their safety and privacy in the virtual world. I personally found the book quite useful and even eye-opening and will definitely recommend it to all my friends and acquaintances.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews