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Ctrl+Alt+Chaos

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Ctrl+Alt+Chaos

By: Joe Tidy
Narrated by: Joe Tidy
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About this listen

From the BBC’s cyber correspondent and foremost voice on cybercrime comes the insider exposé of the global rise of teen hackers: Ctrl+Alt+Chaos.

Cyber correspondent Joe Tidy has investigated and interviewed the most infamous teenage hacker gangs of the past decade for the BBC, and previously for Sky News. Now he unveils the dark digital underbelly where teenage boys are reshaping cybersecurity, cryptocurrency, and organised crime under the noses of their parents.

Throughout he chronicles the life of Julius Kivimaki, aka Zeekill, arguably the most hated hacker in history, from 12-year-old nuisance hacker to a Most Wanted cybercriminal culminating in his 2023 capture. In one of the cruellest hacks in history, he blackmailed 30,000 Finnish psychotherapy patients with their stolen notes. Kivimaki's story gives us vital insights into how hackers find their feet and become dangerous criminals.

Tracking the rise and fall of groups such as LulzSec, HTP, UG Nazi, and Lizard Squad, Ctrl+Alt+Chaos features exclusive interviews with the hackers as well as the police officers trying to stop them. Joe Tidy also draws parallels with recent high-profile attacks from other teenage gangs and ask the question - how can we stop the cycle of teenage boys hijacking life online?

©2025 Joe Tidy (P)2025 W.F. Howes Ltd
Security & Encryption Hacking Computer Security
All stars
Most relevant
A fascinating insight into a crucial and timely topic. Delivered in an engaging way with a human element that raised important questions about how we tackle this as a society going forward. Superb, highly recommend for all audiences.

Gripping, thought provoking and terrifying

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Really enjoyed this insightful take. Is not overly focused on the technical side of things but the people and social impact.

Really interesting and couldn't stop listening

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Brilliantly written with details and constantly keeping you intrigued. From start to finish detailing how much impact these few groups made in the cyber world.

Brilliant book

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interesting facts and well written accounts. the author reads the book well and at a good pace.

interesting facts and well written accounts

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the target audience is non technical, but a good listen for anyone one with a interest cyber security/ hacking.

Good story and very informative

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