Translucent Databases

Translucent Databases
Order from Barnes & Noble with free shipping
Order from the publisher with free U.S. shipping..
Buy it from Amazon with free shipping.
Read the Table of Contents
Read the FAQ about Translucent Databases
Read a case study of how Amazon could protect the privacy of their customers with a translucent database.
Read a case study of how libraries can protect the security of their patrons.
Here's a list of Case Studies from the book
Support for Professors who use the book in courses.
Download the source code from the book.
Other Books by Peter Wayner
Contact the author: p3@wayner.org
Errors and Corrections
Take a Telecourse in the topic
Take a Full Day Course in Storing Sensitive Information with MySQL
Info for Bookstores
Check out the new title, Policing Online Games
Policing Online Games
Check out the new title, Java RAMBO Manifesto
Java RAMBO Manifesto
Translucent Database Cover


    Translucent Databases contains several dozen examples written in basic SQL and Java. The code is written to be easy-to-follow and portable. All of the code can be extended and modified to fit a number of different applications. Here are some of the examples:
  • A database that hides the position of Navy ships from enemies while simultaneously providing accurate information to those with proper authorization.  
  • An anti-rape database that identifies trends without containing any personal information.  
  • A babysitter scheduling service that matches parents with available sitters while protecting the sitters' identities and locations'.  
  • A department store database that guards the modesty of customers.  
  • A private accounting system that detects fraud without revealing information.  
  • A poker game for the Internet that prevents cheating.  
  • A pharmacy database for preventing dangerous drug interactions while keeping medical records secure.  
  • A tool for travel agents to protect their clients from stalkers and kidnappers.  
  • A stock exchange transaction mechanism designed to stop insider-trading. 
  • A website logfile tool that provides accurate counts of visitors while protecting their identities.
  • A credit-card database for defending crucial e-commerce transactions.
  • A patent search tool that doesn't reveal the nature and focus of the search.
  • A conference bulletin board that routes messages without helping stalkers.
  • A tool for studying the radon concentration in homes without maintaining personal information.
  • An anti-money laundering database.
   
  Anyone who purchases the book receives an unlimited license to use the source code from the examples on up to ten CPUs. If you have greater needs, other licenses are available. Or just buy another copy of the book.