Laser Focus World is an industry bedrock—first published in 1965 and still going strong. We publish original articles about cutting-edge advances in lasers, optics, photonics, sensors, and quantum technologies, as well as test and measurement, and the shift currently underway to usher in the photonic integrated circuits, optical interconnects, and copackaged electronics and photonics to deliver the speed and efficiency essential for data centers of the future.

Our 80,000 qualified print subscribers—and 130,000 12-month engaged online audience—trust us to dive in and provide original journalism you won’t find elsewhere covering key emerging areas such as laser-driven inertial confinement fusion, lasers in space, integrated photonics, chipscale lasers, LiDAR, metasurfaces, high-energy laser weaponry, photonic crystals, and quantum computing/sensors/communications. We cover the innovations driving these markets.

Laser Focus World is part of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B.

Laser Focus World Membership

Never miss any articles, videos, podcasts, or webinars by signing up for membership access to Laser Focus World online. You can manage your preferences all in one place—and provide our editorial team with your valued feedback.

Magazine Subscription

Can you subscribe to receive our print issue for free? Yes, you sure can!

Newsletter Subscription

Laser Focus World newsletter subscription is free to qualified professionals:

The Daily Beam

Showcases the newest content from Laser Focus World, including photonics- and optics-based applications, components, research, and trends. (Daily)

Product Watch

The latest in products within the photonics industry. (9x per year)

Bio & Life Sciences Product Watch

The latest in products within the biophotonics industry. (4x per year)

Laser Processing Product Watch

The latest in products within the laser processing industry. (3x per year)

Get Published!

If you’d like to write an article for us, reach out with a short pitch to Sally Cole Johnson: [email protected]. We love to hear from you.

Photonics Hot List

Laser Focus World produces a video newscast that gives a peek into what’s happening in the world of photonics.

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast dives deep into the fascinating world of photonics. Our weekly episodes feature interviews and discussions with industry and research experts, providing valuable perspectives on the issues, technologies, and trends shaping the photonics community.

Editorial Advisory Board

  • Professor Andrea M. Armani, University of Southern California
  • Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D., LightSolver
  • James Butler, Ph.D., Hamamatsu
  • Natalie Fardian-Melamed, Ph.D., Columbia University
  • Justin Sigley, Ph.D., AmeriCOM
  • Professor Birgit Stiller, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, and Leibniz University of Hannover
  • Professor Stephen Sweeney, University of Glasgow
  • Mohan Wang, Ph.D., University of Oxford
  • Professor Xuchen Wang, Harbin Engineering University
  • Professor Stefan Witte, Delft University of Technology

Brian Oakes Unveils Undermined, A Tale of Cybercrime, Legal Battle, and Resilience

By: PRLog

How One Man Lost Millions in Bitcoin and Fought Back Against Corporate Negligence

FORT WORTH, Texas & DETROIT - Feb. 26, 2025 - PRLog -- Brian Oakes, an IT network engineer, early cryptocurrency miner, and data privacy advocate, shares his gripping story in Undermined. The memoir chronicles his rise in the digital asset space, the devastating loss of over 500 Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies (valued at $31.5 million) due to a sophisticated hack through his cell phone service provider, and his mission to expose consumer vulnerabilities while challenging corporations to take greater responsibility for safeguarding our data.

This real-life David vs. Goliath story not only addresses digital security flaws but also delves into personal struggles, including his wife, Brandi's, battle with breast cancer. Through resilience and commitment to educating others, Oakes has transformed his tragedy into a mission for cybersecurity and data privacy awareness.

Oakes' interest in cryptocurrency began with gold panning, eventually leading him to Bitcoin mining. His success made him a prime target for cybercriminals, who exploited his cell phone carrier's security weaknesses in a SIM swap attack that drained his digital fortune.

"I watched them drain everything, and then telling my wife Brandi was the hardest part—until her breast cancer diagnosis," says Oakes in Undermined.

Oakes embarked on a legal battle against the cell service giant, highlighting the dangers of corporate negligence in cybersecurity.

Above all, Oakes' story is about human resilience. As he navigated the aftermath of financial ruin, his family faced another heartbreaking challenge: Brandi's breast cancer diagnosis. Forced to confront both emotional and financial devastation, he found strength in his family and a renewed sense of purpose.

Part financial thriller, part cautionary tale, Undermined goes beyond the numbers. Oakes takes readers on a deeply personal journey, from his early days as a self-proclaimed computer nerd to a respected IT engineer and crypto miner who built a digital fortune, only to see it vanish overnight.

"This book isn't just about Bitcoin or hackers. It's about how quickly everything can be taken from you when technology and human error collide," says Oakes. "It's about fighting back against corporate negligence, against an invisible enemy, and against the doubts that creep in when everything you've built is gone."

Undermined is more than a memoir—it's a wake-up call for digital security, corporate accountability, and family resilience.

Whether you're a cryptocurrency investor, cybersecurity professional, or someone interested in compelling real-life narratives, Undermined offers valuable lessons for navigating the digital world.

Undermined is now available in paperback and eBook on Amazon.

For media interviews, engagements, or further inquiries, please contact: undermined.com

Contact
Sari M CIcurel
***@gmail.com

Photos: (Click photo to enlarge)

Book Front Cover of Undermined Back Cover of Undermined


Source: Brian Oakes

Read Full Story - Brian Oakes Unveils Undermined, A Tale of Cybercrime, Legal Battle, and Resilience | More news from this source

Press release distribution by PRLog
Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.