AshCast

A Hacker’s Mind: How the Powerful Bend Society’s Rules, and How to Bend them Back

Episode Summary

From tax codes to the NFL rulebook, the world is made up of procedures, systems, and settings — all of which can be hacked.

Episode Notes

In his newest book “A Hacker's Mind: How the Rich and Powerful Bend Society’s Rules, and How to Bend Them Back,” cybersecurity expert and HKS faculty affiliate Bruce Schneier asks readers to expand their simple definition of hacking beyond just computer and IT systems but to consider how nearly everything around us can be hacked — for better or worse. With chapters covering everything from airline frequent flier miles to elections and redistricting, Schneier pushes us to examine how people use and abuse system vulnerabilities to get ahead — and how by adopting a hacking mindset, we can find and fix these weaknesses.

On March 6, 2023, the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation hosted a book talk with Schneier. Ash Center Director Archon Fung moderated. 

About the Ash Center 

The Roy and Lila Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation advances excellence and innovation in governance and public policy through research, education, and public discussion. By training the very best leaders, developing powerful new ideas, and disseminating innovative solutions and institutional reforms, the Center’s goal is to meet the profound challenges facing the world’s citizens.

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Music is Wholesome by Kevin McLeod.