The Cuckoo’s Egg

As I read The Cuckoo’s Egg by Cliff Stoll, it seemed a bit antiquated and, at the same time, just as applicable today as when it was written. Although the terminology and technology of the time is a mystery to me, I found myself admiring the tenacity of Clifford Stoll to learn and adapt such that his hacking experience would have such a lasting impact on the world. I was also very impressed with the ability Clifford Stoll had to learn entirely new concepts. He was an astronomer by training, but worked as a computer manager. Though he was not trained, he was able to overcome so many challenges through hard work and determination. This is inspirational as I now follow somewhat in his footsteps. I am faced with learning new concepts and overcoming daily challenges in my college experience.

As I read the book, I was also struck by the impact this must certainly have had on the world. Clifford Stoll went to many government organizations looking for help, but received none. Again, through tenacity and determination, he overcame these. This was a great example to me, by helping me realize that even when people or organizations work against you, you can overcome through hard work and drive.

No one believed that hacking was of any real threat. There was no concern about some college or high school students hacking and harmlessly stealing passwords. But when the culprit was finally caught and the world saw how serious an impact one hacker could have, eyes were opened. Selling sensitive information to other governments is a serious offence and, through the efforts of Cliff and eventually the government, they were able to stop this hacker and show the dangerous impact that hacking can have on an organization.