In December 2020, my world collapsed in an instant. A targeted SIM swap attack on my cell phone gave hackers the access they needed to siphon over 500 Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies from me– a staggering $31.5 million at the time. Coping with the aftermath of such a profound violation has taken a significant toll and led me to a resilient battle against unseen enemies, a hard look at cracks in our digital security, and an unflinching reckoning with trust, technology, and my own vulnerability. This is the story of how I was UNDERMINED.
UNDERMINED rips open the story of my life, from humble beginnings as a computer nerd to a tech-savvy engineer, treasure hunter and crypto miner who amassed wealth beyond my imagination—only to watch it vanish in an instant. This wasn’t just a financial loss; it was a personal unravelling.
This book delves deeper than Bitcoin and hackers. It’s a raw and relentless exploration of how greed, innovation, and human error intersect in the volatile world of rapidly evolving technology. It’s about fighting back—against one of the largest telecom companies in the world—and rediscovering strength in the face of unimaginable loss.
It’s part financial thriller, part cautionary tale, but mostly, UNDERMINED is a journey of family strength, resilience, and finding clarity when everything you’ve built has been ripped away.
What people are saying?
“UNDERMINED” is a fascinating view into one man’s unrelenting drive to mine and bank crypto currency, sacrificing his health and well being, and when he is hacked and robbed, his sanity. This book is a real life tale of David and Goliath. As Brian pursues the corporate giant that allowed his digital identity to be stolen, his writing also reveals the beautiful love story of Brian and Brandi. UNDERMINED is a must read! -Jennifer
I started this book on a Sunday morning and couldn’t put it down until I finished it that evening. It’s an easy and entertaining read that takes you on an emotional roller coaster. Brian is a fantastic storyteller who kept me engaged as he wove together the story of crypto, his personal life, and the many lessons and perspectives he gained. I highly recommend this book. -Jerry
Enthralling true story! Brian an atypical person/ problem solver, recounts his story of an early adopter of crypto mining. However, his digital fortune is stripped from him in one dreadful moment, through a Hollywood-style cyber heist. The true gold of this book lies in how Brian navigates and processes his life events, being crypto, theft, IT (his work), health, and his family. His perspective on things and life is interesting. Overall great read! -Armando