For a 20-something who has written 14 books on hacking and technology, Ankit’s new book is a completely different take on a subject he loves . Faster: 100 Ways to Improve Your Digital Life offers simple tips and tricks to solve those meddling problems such as finding a car in a parking lot or setting up a fake call to get out of awkward situations.
“People don’t know the potential of the smart devices they use and so I decided I will ask them to stretch the limits. Parents often worry about their children when they’re out late at night. There’s an app that will help them track their kids through GPS,” he says, “all this seems simple but people don’t know about them.”
The idea for the book came from a show Ankit hosted on MTV, called What The Hack. “People would continuously mail asking for more useful tips to block inappropriate sites or something similar. The tips in the book are divided based on functionality, security and fun stuff (like how to catch a cheating boyfriend/girlfriend),” adds the author. “These tips will help improve interactions for anyone who uses technology.”
Ankit also hosts a YouTube vlog called Geek On The Loose, which also gives out tips and has already garnered over 2,00,000 views. “Technology is constantly changing and we actually had to update about 18 tips before this book went to print a couple of months ago,” he smiles, “we hope to bring out a new edition every nine months, so that the technology is updated.”
But why the move from hacking (Ankit is a computer security consultant and conducts a certification course on ethical hacking) to tips on technology? “Hacking is niche and I really wanted to look at a wider group of audience. In fact, my next book is a novel. Of course, technology will figure in it in some form but I’ve always wanted to write a book and that dream is finally coming true,” says Ankit. “It’s about three college friends who get into trouble. There is a girl involved and a love story too.”
At 27, Ankit handles the criticism that has been thrown at him over the years, pretty calmly. There is a We Hate Ankit Fadia Facebook page and top security experts have, in the past, called him a fraud. “Hacking is a completely hidden community and the purists don’t come out and share their knowledge. Here, I’ve not just come into the open but also turned it into a profession. I’ve even had endorsements from a couple of companies, and so I’ve obviously ruffled some feathers. I welcome all opinions since that’s what keeps anyone grounded,” he says.
Faster: 100 Ways to Improve Your Digital Life (Rs. 199) is available at all leading bookstores.
