In early 2000, the websites of CNN, Yahoo, E*Trade, Dell, Amazon, and eBay ground to a halt for several hours, causing panic everywhere from the White House to suburbia and around the world. After two months and hundreds of hours of wiretapping, the FBI and international law enforcement agencies staged a late-night raid to apprehend the most wanted man in cyberspace—a 15-year-old kid. Mafiaboy, a.k.a. Michael Calce. This is his riveting true story. Calce and award-winning journalist Craig Silverman weave a fast-paced narrative that is equal parts true crime thriller and exposé.
About Michael Calce
Michael Calce was 15 years old when he made headlines around the world by launching online attacks that brought down the websites of Yahoo!, eBay, CNN and other Internet giants. After being apprehended in a late night raid by law enforcement, he eventually plead guilty to 56 charges and served eight months in a group home facility. In 2005, he began writing a computer security column for Le Journal de Montreal to help educate people about online threats and offer advice for staying secure online. The column was also published in English in the Toronto Sun, Ottawa Sun and on Canoe.ca, one of Canada’s most-trafficked websites. He has also worked for one of Canada’s largest retail computer companies. Michael is now focused on sharing his knowledge and expertise to help people and businesses protect themselves online.
He lives in Montreal.
News
Michael Calce on CNN.com
Just over a decade ago, Michael Calce knocked CNN.com offline. Today, the site published an interview with him about the release of his book. Doug Gross of CNN.com spoke with Michael about the attacks he launched in 2000, how hacking has evolved since then, and the best ways for people to protect themselves online. Read [...]
Michael Calce on The Leonard Lopate Show
Michael Calce is in New York this week for the U.S. launch of Mafiaboy. Yesterday he was a guest on The Leonard Lopate Show, which airs on WNYC 93.9 FM and AM 820, New York’s two flagship public radio stations. Michael discussed his crimes, the current state of online security, and why he doesn’t like [...]
Mafiaboy U.S. edition now available for purchase online
Copies of Mafiaboy are already in stock at Amazon.com, and Barnes & Noble, among other retailers. Copies are also making their way into stores over the next few weeks. Stay tuned for more info about press appearances and related events!