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1. The most important book of our time!
   I have been an Amazon customer for 25+ years, and I found the message of this book to be so important and timely, that I’m literally leaving a book review for the very first time.
   “We’re way past the point where most folks can tell the difference between what’s real and what’s machine-made. Photos, videos, voices, text – AI can fake it all.”
   And it will only get worse: “The rate of technological change is now accelerating so fast that […] many of us cannot keep pace anymore.”
   How can we possibly win the fight against bad actors? Well, you can start by reading this book.
   First, the author “demystifies the technical”. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of deepfakes, ChatGPT, large language models, prompts, etc., and how bad actors use this technology to spread disinformation, scams, etc.
   While it is important to understand the current state of AI technology, this book shows why we must look beyond the technical to really win the daily fight against bad actors. “The technology may change, but the fundamental tactics remain the same. […] Our real challenge isn’t the technology itself, but the people wielding it. […] So instead of soon-to-be-obsolete tips, I’m equipping you with something far more valuable: the tools to understand and outsmart digital deceivers, no matter how the tech changes.”
   That is the key message of the book, and it’s the reason why everything in its pages (minus the technical information about technology from the year 2024) would be just as relevant to readers from the 15th century (dealing with printing press fraud) and 19th century (dealing with telegraph wire fraud), as it is today. In fact, most of the book will still be relevant in the 24th century!
   I finished this book about 2 weeks ago, and I’ve already noticed its impact. It’s changed how I consume digital content (e.g. TikTok videos after the Presidential debate, Facebook stories shared by friends, etc.). In other words, it’s already turned me into a “savvier media consumer, a sharper critical thinker, and a harder target for would-be deceivers.”
   The book ends with some very practical tips, tricks, and FREE resources to help you protect your family.
   As a society, we should all be concerned about the current state of AI technology. To “electronically survive”, you must understand what’s out there. But knowing WHY disinformation campaigns, scams, etc. succeed in the first place is just as, if not more important, than the technology. You owe it to yourself to read this book as soon as you can. Be mindful, and stay safe out there!

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2. Timely has hell
   Let’s hope everyone on the Earth gets a copy, or a least gets its key messages firmly planted in their grey matter. Time is of the essence as GenAI disinfo tools race forward, and people seeking to foment chaos and confusion are embracing them with gusto.

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3. As a cybersecurity expert, I’ve seen the harmful effects of deepfakes, disinformation, and AI-generated deceptions on people and society. That’s why I was eager to read Perry Carpenter’s latest book, FAIK: A Practical Guide to Living in a World of Deepfakes, Disinformation, and AI-Generated Deceptions.
   Perry’s book is a timely and insightful look at the complex world we live in. His SIFT framework—Stop, Investigate, Find, and Trace—offers a practical way to tell truth from lies.
   He goes beyond the technical details of these threats and explores the psychology behind them, showing how these tactics are designed to manipulate and deceive. In the “exploitation zone,” he explains how fast technological advances outpace our ability to adapt, making it easier for deception to take root.
   Perry, an eternal optimist, emphasizes that our minds are our best defense. By developing critical thinking and media literacy, we can confidently navigate the digital age and stay informed despite the growing deception.
   In short, FAIK is essential reading for anyone who wants to stay safe and informed in today’s digital world.
   Perry, your expertise and insights make this book a valuable resource for individuals, businesses, and organizations looking to protect themselves from deepfakes, disinformation, and AI-generated deceptions.
   Great job.

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4. If you’d like to be primed on some of the information threats presented by the generative AI revolution, this is an excellent book to start on. There are more detailed publications on both AI and disinformation and misinformation, but this book is the bridge. It is a real page turner of a book, explained clearly, and well presented. I’d recommend this as a starting point on your journey on the topic, then you can dive into things like Foolproof and The Psychology of Misinformation and other weightier books and topics.

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