Mr. Hyatt also provides guides to "levels" of privacy, knowing that not everyone is in the same position or situation or has the same needs. (For example, while all of us should probably exercise far more computer security, not everyone needs an off-shore trust!) Regardless of individual need, most Americans could immediately implement enough security measures (with little or no cost) which would reduce their risk substantially.

For me, the most useful element of the book was the additional resources provided, whether they be websites, books, etc. Thus, an individual with particular needs not treated in-depth will have a starting point in his own research.

I highly recommend this book.


Super Practical, Super Helpful and Super Important   July 24, 2001
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I got a copy of this book shortly after it first came out - after I heard a fantastic radio interview with Mr. Hyatt. Until I heard Mr. Hyatt, I didn't think I was particularly vulnerable, nor did I have anything to hide, so why should I be interested in privacy? After hearing the interview and especially after reading this book, I now believe that every person ought to be concerned about personal privacy and take steps to secure it.

I do not sense that Mr. Hyatt is "fear mongering" at all. His explanations of the problem and his suggestions are very balanced and very practical, while at the same time are very sobering. He demonstrates how intertwined our personal freedom and our personal privacy are. The two go hand-in-hand.

One aspect of this book that I particularly found helpful was his descriptions of the different levels of privacy. He does not expect us to act like "spys," sneaking around and living in a perpetual state of paranoia. In chapter 5 "Making the Decision and Setting Goals," he lays out three dimensions of privacy. Depending upon what an individual wants to protect and what resources are available to him, he can decide how much to do. In the following chapters he gets very specific. For example, he says step one might be get a P.O. Box, the next level might be a mail drop address (like Mail Boxes, etc.), etc. Each level will provide you with more privacy, but will cost you more money and more time. Privacy is neither cheap nor convenient, but, in the end, it's your decision as to how much privacy you want.

Just get the book and find out for yourself. Also, I highly recommend going to his web site.... He discusses other items that will be helpful to those who have read his book.


This is how to protect your privacy, but at what cost?   July 19, 2001
 18 out of 22 found this review helpful

I was surprised that this book has received 5 stars from everyone reviewing it so far. I do agree that Mr. Hyatt does an excellent job in telling you exactly what to do in protecting your privacy.

However, the time, money and energy spent on this is an enormous investment. I can understand the wisdom of not giving out your social security number freely, but how many people are willing to do the following (these are things the author suggests):

Get a "mail drop" where your mail will be sent to - it's an actual physical address, not a PO Box. Never accept mail addressed to you at your residence.

Don't say anything sensitive on the phone - these discussions should only be in person.

Don't have any credit cards, utilities, or ANYTHING with your real name and address. You can create alternate addresses and alternate identities.

Pay for everything with cash or money orders.

Create a different "identity" - don't use your real name. Create a credit history for this "person" and sign up for utilities in his/her name.

If you have to sign for something, see if a friend or relative will sign it and have it in their name instead.

Don't allow your computer to accept cookies and use Evidence Eliminator software so no one can see where you've been on the internet. Disable Java and Active X.

These are just a few examples. I do believe that there are people who have had trouble with invasion of their privacy, but how far is the average American willing to go to protect their privacy? Is this really necessary? Wouldn't the focus of your life be on keeping your personal information very private?

This book reminded me of what a spy would have to go through - or someone who really has something to hide. Mr. Hyatt, to his credit, doesn't advocate breaking the law, but at times, I think he walks a fine line. Legal, maybe? but is all this ethical? And you can bet that there are a lot of people writing similar books who encourage getting fake IDs, etc.

The name Michael Hyatt might ring a bell in your mind. Mr. Hyatt wrote "The Millenium Bug" and several other books about Y2K. He became interested in "self-reliant living" and privacy issues through the research he did when writing the books about Y2K. In hindsight, of course, the problems Mr. Hyatt forecasted never came to pass. "The Millenium Bug" and similar books, helped fuel the panic and fear and paranoia that was such a part of our culture during 1998 and 1999.

So, you might want to take that into account when making these decisions for yourself and your family.


WHAT YOU READ MAY ASTOUND YOU...   May 11, 2001
 9 out of 10 found this review helpful

In today's society were we are certainly technology driven; we have access to unlimited information. The downside is, others also have unlimited information about us whether it be by legal or illegal means. We have all heard horror stories about what happens when unauthorized individuals or groups gain access via the computer highway to personal and financial information and our privacy is, indeed, invaded. It leaves the victim feeling vulnerable, frightened and psychologically terrorized. Identities have been forged, bank accounts emptied, medical records and other personal information accessed.

What can you do to protect yourself and mimimize your risks? "Invasion of Privacy" can be classed as a "must read" for everyone, regardless of age or occupation. What you learn could protect your future. You can rest assured that in this modern-day, high-tech world, lurking somwhere among the computer network of highways and biways, you will find your name is nothing more than a succession of files waiting to be opened. The author reveals excellent strategies and suggestions on how to protect your privacy and minimize risks. Government agencies, banks, insurance companies, hospitals, retail stores, employers, schools, all have in-depth knowledge of you. If you combine all these files together, your whole life is virtually an infinite particle of cyberspace. After reading this book, you will think twice about the seemingly innocent information you give and have a better understanding of how to best protect yourself from cyper-invasion. "Invasion of Privacy" is well written, intriguing and highly recommended.