“We are dropping cyber bombs… and just like we have an air campaign, I want to have a cyber campaign. These words by former Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert Work were a wakeup call for me as I reported to work for the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence.

Since, “cyber domain” has become a source of potential conflict, earning the interest of the world’s military powers.  During my studies at the Naval War College, I penned a monograph positing how cyber capabilities could be used as an instrument of national power in lieu of kinetic strikes. This thesis has since been reinforced by the development of the “Integrated Tasking Order” and “Cyber Tasking Order” – tools to synchronize kinetic and non-kinetic operations across all domains.

To be sure, cyber operations can have significant effects on not only the functioning of government but the confidence of societies and markets as well. The technical ability to conduct a cyber-attack has decreased significantly.  Malicious cyber tools and exploits are easily found on the Internet and can be used by anyone. Not only are attacks more sophisticated, but attribution is difficult.

From my humble perspective, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to learn more about the critically important threat of cyber warfare. As a practical guide, it helps prepare cyber security practitioners as well as policymakers interested in the historical, technical, and strategic context in the cyber domain. LCDR Douglas Ramsdell, USN (Ret.)

Cyber Research and Intelligent Solutions Provider (CRISP) - https://crisp-llc.com/

“I have known Albert since grade school, he is generally the smartest guy in the room and if the subject matter is Cybersecurity, he is always the smartest guy in the room. In his bio it states that within days of 9/11 the FBI called Albert to garner his experience as it pertains to Cybersecurity. You must ask yourself, what did he know that prompted the FBI to call him in 2001, and what does he know now? I accompanied Albert when he has been on TV and the Radio many times. He has done speaking engagements at trade shows, seminars, and Universities and he always wows his audience, even if the audience is full of highly credentialed Cybersecurity experts. At every engagement, here is always something new. Lastly, most computer geniuses are either flaky, intolerable or have no communication skills. Surprisingly, Albert is a pleasure to work with whether he’s in front of a thousand people or engaged in a one-on-one conversation.” - Hugh Haggerty, Longtime Friend

Before I met Albert Whale, I lived, what I thought, was a secure life on the web. To know Albert is to realize what most of us understand with our Google email accounts, our Facebook accounts, and other social media accounts is absolutely wrong! And to work with that misunderstanding in the freewheeling world of online data puts our respective businesses in great danger.

Now, I call Albert whenever I consider doing anything with my data. Most of the time, I have a general idea of what could go wrong. But a lot of times, I don’t. And that’s a scary thought!

Anyone contemplating doing anything in business today needs to read Albert’s two books. I have, and I am still scared to make a move without talking to Albert first.

It is not all doom and gloom, however. But with the things that I don’t know, I’m glad that I do know Albert because when I get finished consulting him, I then go back to whatever company it is that I am talking to and pose cyber security questions to them that make them understand that I am serious about making sure that my business ventures are going to be as secure as possible.

Gone are the days when we don’t have to be appreciative of the subject of cybersecurity, even I you are in my situation – growing food. That’s right; even farmers need a cybersecurity expert to help them to manage their business!

So, I hope you will appreciate this book and consider both the tone and specifics Albert brings to the table. We can no longer live without making cybersecurity is in the right hands and that no one else will have access to it. - Juan Lacey (Founder & CEO of Farms close by)

“I met Albert Whale several years ago and must say that his insights into cybersecurity have completely supported my work efforts, and potentially that of national security. Albert has turned cybersecurity on its head while offering a fresh approach to subjects that most people gloss over. I have used his ITS Safe product, and have seen how it fills the need for cybersecurity support in businesses from small to global. I’m thankful to call Albert a resource and a friend.” - Kevin Harding, Dir., Technical Services

Hands of Support, LLC - http://hands of support.com