Have you ever had a hobby that changed your life? This Google Hacking thing
began as a hobby, but sometime in 2004 it transformed into an unexpected gift. In that
year, the high point of my professional career was a speaking gig I landed at Defcon. I
was on top of the world that year and I let it get to my head—I really was an egotistical
little turd. I presented my Google Hacking talk, making sure to emulate the rockstar
speakers I admired.The talk went well, securing rave reviews and hinting at a
rock-star speaking career of my own.The outlook was very promising, but the
weekend left me feeling empty.
In the span of two days a series of unfortunate events flung me from the mountaintop
of success and slammed me mercilessly onto the craggy rocks of the valley of
despair. Overdone? A bit, but that’s how it felt for me—and I didn’t even get a Balroc
carcass out of the deal. I’m not sure what caused me to do it, but I threw up my hands
and gave up all my professional spoils—my career, my five hundred user website and
my fledgling speaking career—to God.
At the time, I didn’t exactly understand what that meant, but I was serious about
the need for drastic change and the inexplicable desire to live with a higher purpose.
For the first time in my life, I saw the shallowness and self-centeredness of my life, and
it horrified me. I wanted something more, and I asked for it in a real way.The funny
thing is, I got so much more than I asked for.
Syngress approached and asked if I would write a book on Google Hacking, the first
edition of the book you’re holding. Desperately hoping I could mask my inexperience
and distaste for writing, I accepted what I would come to call the “original gift.”
Google Hacking is now a best seller.
My website grew from 500 to nearly 80,000 users.The Google book project led to
ten or so additional book projects.The media tidal wave was impressive—first came
Slashdot, followed quickly by the online, print,TV and cable outlets. I quickly earned
my world traveler credentials as conference bookings started pouring in.The community
I wanted so much to be a part of—the hacking community—embraced me
unconditionally, despite my newly conservative outlook.They bought books through
my website, generating income for charity, and eventually they fully funded my wife
and me on our mission’s trip to Uganda, Africa.That series of events changed my life
and set the stage for ihackcharities.com, an organization aimed at connecting the skills
of the hacking community with charities that need those skills. My “real” life is transformed
as well—my relationship with my wife and kids is better than it ever has been.
So as you can see, this is so much more than just a book to me.This really was
the original gift, and I took the task of updating it very seriously. I’ve personally
scrutinized every single word and photo—especially the ones I’ve written—to make
sure it’s done right. I’m proud of this second edition, and I’m grateful to you, the
reader, for supporting the efforts of the many that have poured themselves into this
project.Thank you.
Thank you for visiting us at http://johnny.ihackstuff.com and for getting the
word out.Thank you for supporting and linking to the Google Hacking Database.
Thank you for clicking through our Amazon links to fund charities. Thank you for
giving us a platform to affect real change, not only in the security community but also
in the world at large. I am truly humbled by your support.
by
Johnny. I Hack Stuff
Download here
began as a hobby, but sometime in 2004 it transformed into an unexpected gift. In that
year, the high point of my professional career was a speaking gig I landed at Defcon. I
was on top of the world that year and I let it get to my head—I really was an egotistical
little turd. I presented my Google Hacking talk, making sure to emulate the rockstar
speakers I admired.The talk went well, securing rave reviews and hinting at a
rock-star speaking career of my own.The outlook was very promising, but the
weekend left me feeling empty.
In the span of two days a series of unfortunate events flung me from the mountaintop
of success and slammed me mercilessly onto the craggy rocks of the valley of
despair. Overdone? A bit, but that’s how it felt for me—and I didn’t even get a Balroc
carcass out of the deal. I’m not sure what caused me to do it, but I threw up my hands
and gave up all my professional spoils—my career, my five hundred user website and
my fledgling speaking career—to God.
At the time, I didn’t exactly understand what that meant, but I was serious about
the need for drastic change and the inexplicable desire to live with a higher purpose.
For the first time in my life, I saw the shallowness and self-centeredness of my life, and
it horrified me. I wanted something more, and I asked for it in a real way.The funny
thing is, I got so much more than I asked for.
Syngress approached and asked if I would write a book on Google Hacking, the first
edition of the book you’re holding. Desperately hoping I could mask my inexperience
and distaste for writing, I accepted what I would come to call the “original gift.”
Google Hacking is now a best seller.
My website grew from 500 to nearly 80,000 users.The Google book project led to
ten or so additional book projects.The media tidal wave was impressive—first came
Slashdot, followed quickly by the online, print,TV and cable outlets. I quickly earned
my world traveler credentials as conference bookings started pouring in.The community
I wanted so much to be a part of—the hacking community—embraced me
unconditionally, despite my newly conservative outlook.They bought books through
my website, generating income for charity, and eventually they fully funded my wife
and me on our mission’s trip to Uganda, Africa.That series of events changed my life
and set the stage for ihackcharities.com, an organization aimed at connecting the skills
of the hacking community with charities that need those skills. My “real” life is transformed
as well—my relationship with my wife and kids is better than it ever has been.
So as you can see, this is so much more than just a book to me.This really was
the original gift, and I took the task of updating it very seriously. I’ve personally
scrutinized every single word and photo—especially the ones I’ve written—to make
sure it’s done right. I’m proud of this second edition, and I’m grateful to you, the
reader, for supporting the efforts of the many that have poured themselves into this
project.Thank you.
Thank you for visiting us at http://johnny.ihackstuff.com and for getting the
word out.Thank you for supporting and linking to the Google Hacking Database.
Thank you for clicking through our Amazon links to fund charities. Thank you for
giving us a platform to affect real change, not only in the security community but also
in the world at large. I am truly humbled by your support.
by
Johnny. I Hack Stuff
Download here
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