The book profiles the Cult of the Dead Cow (cDc), the oldest surviving and most famous hacking group. It explains how cDc members developed important hacking tools and launched the hacktivism movement to push for better security and consumer protection. While mostly remaining anonymous, some key members like Beto O'Rourke went on to advise presidents and tech CEOs. The book tells the story of how cDc pioneered hacktivism and security research that still influences privacy and national security debates today.