In the early 90s, the internet was the new Wild West. Then, a series of high-profile computer crashes led the U.S. Secret Service to launch "Operation Sundevil," a massive nationwide crackdown. They raided homes, seized computers, and arrested people they called hackers. But the story isn't simple. Sterling shows us three sides: the law enforcement agents who saw digital anarchy, the hackers and "phone phreaks" exploring system limits, and the lawyers and activists fighting for free speech in this new space.

Why You Should Read It

This book isn't dry history. It's packed with real characters, from a hacker who accidentally took down AT&T's phone network to the agents chasing him. Sterling makes you feel the tension and excitement of a world being built in real-time. The big question he explores—how much should the government control our digital lives?—is more relevant than ever. You'll see the direct line from these 90s raids to today's debates about privacy, security, and online rights.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone curious about tech history, true crime fans who like a smart twist, or people who just want to understand why the internet feels the way it does. It’s a gripping, human story about the moment we all went online and had to figure out what that meant. You'll never look at your smartphone the same way again.