Cuckoo's Egg (book)

The Cuckoo's Egg is a non-fiction book written by Clifford Stoll, published in 1989. It recounts Stoll's real-life experiences as a systems administrator at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) in 1986 and 1987, investigating a 75-cent accounting error.

The book details how Stoll's investigation uncovered a computer hacker, later identified as Markus Hess, who was using LBNL's computers to access military and corporate computer networks in the United States. Stoll meticulously tracked Hess's activities, ultimately leading to his capture and conviction in West Germany.

The Cuckoo's Egg is notable for its engaging and accessible writing style, making complex technical details understandable to a broad audience. It is widely regarded as a significant work in the field of computer security, highlighting the importance of vigilance and proactive security measures in the early days of the internet. The book explores themes of cybersecurity, espionage, and the ethical responsibilities of system administrators. It is also a personal narrative of Stoll's dedication and perseverance in pursuing the hacker.