Book Review of How to avoid becoming a victim

Abstract

The book, Cybercrime: How to avoid becoming a victim, written by H. Thomas Milhorn, MD, Ph.D. sets out to educate its readers about the many different types of cyber crimes and ways in which internet users can protect themselves from becoming victims. According to the author, cyber crime is identified as “any type of activity that uses the Internet to commit a crime (p.1)”. A broad area of cyber crime is covered throughout the book with special emphasis given to defining what constitutes each type of crime, poignant examples of actual crimes, and finally, useful tips for protecting yourself from each type of crime. Indeed, there are 36 chapters in the book, covering almost every conceivable area of cyber crime, areas such cyber bullying and immigration fraud, as well as the more popular predator and credit card fraud. Appendix A provides the readers with information on how to report cyber crimes, specifically which office they should contact. Appendix B provides an essential glossary for cyber terminology. The purpose of this review is to provide readers with an overview as to what to expect from it. Milhorn is a retired professor who has penned over 150 papers (both research and education) as well as four books (three nonfiction and one fiction). He taught for the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where he was a professor of Physiology and Biophysics, as well as an associate professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior. He holds several certifications and is educated in other areas above and beyond his medical training including: mental health counselor, addictions counseling coursework, and theology. Milhorn’s interests include web design and teaching computer classes for adult students. Although is areas of expertise are not cyber crimes, he does provide a thorough examination of the particular areas. Milhorn’s Curriculum Vitae can be found on his own webpage: http://www.milhorn1.netfirms.com/. Computers are now in every country, and are accessible by a vast majority of persons in industrialized countries. Internet-connected people must know how to protect themselves from the online dangers. Milhorn’s goal with this book is to provide a vast repository of protective measures, both for the novice and the veteran in computer use.