Ctrl+Alt+Chaos

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

An interesting insight into the world of hacking children and the chaos they leave behind.

I have read a few books about hacking, cyber attacks and cybersecurity. But all of those books were about how countries attack each other to spy or destroy. Getting insight into the more "unprofessional" world has been very interesting. I would definitely recommend the book to those who are interested in Cybercrime and for those who like true crime books.

Ctrl Alt Repeat

A well researched and narrated book that I’ll likely listen to again to soak up all the detail. Joe Tidy’s Ctrl+Alt+Chaos ventures inside the world of teenage hackers reshaping cybercrime. What stood out to me most was how he brings a human dimension to both victims and perpetrators. He doesn’t just document the mechanics of the crimes. He explores the emotions, pressures, and vulnerabilities driving these young hackers, as well as the real and lasting impact on those they harm. It’s a thoughtful, unsettling look at the people behind the screens.