Invasion of Privacy: How to Protect Yourself in the Digital Age by Michael Hyatt Search Amazon for other books by or about Michael Hyatt. Rating: Reviewed by: John L. Hoh, Jr.

We live in the digital age. Some call it the Information Age. Information is available with a mouse click or phone call. E-mails come to me on an almost daily basis touting software that can find out anything about anyone I want to know something about. (Of course, a great majority of the e-mails try enticing me with the blurb: "Software so powerful the government doesn't want you to have it." My guess is they might avoid sending such messages to any e-mail address ending in ".gov.")

And that is scary-intimate information about you, your family, and your finances available to snooping eyes 24/7. Forget the Census Bureau; they are amateurs compared with what companies and individuals can find out about you.

If there is a key word in this book, that word would be "assertive." Ask any firm that starts to ask for personal information why they need that information-even your social security number! Threaten to take your business elsewhere if they insist. Or ask why they need it, for what purpose, how your information will be stored securely, and what recourse you have if said information does become public. Then, don't settle for an oral answer. Insist that they put it in writing before you agree to give them any information.

A main theme in this book is silence-the less you say, the less chance anyone has to invade your privacy. But be polite in silence, or in your refusal to provide information. Politeness decreases suspicion.

Practical tips are located in tables throughout the book. Useful software to ensure your privacy is also referenced. A pseudo-scientific privacy self-assessment is included as are privacy aids such as mail drops, secondary tools of communication, and other "cloaking" tricks.

This book offers solutions to keep and maintain your privacy. You may not have anything to hide, but you may want the privacy of a peaceful supper or evening without a telemarketer. This book has practical advice-advice that can save you money or even your life. Case histories throughout the book buttress the author's points.