Kevin David Mitnick is a name that is synonymous with the world of hacking. Born on August 6, 1963, in Van Nuys, California, Mitnick developed an early interest in computers. His father, a computer consultant, encouraged his curiosity, and even bought him his first computer when he was just 12 years old. Mitnick quickly became adept at programming and hacking and began exploring the online world in earnest.
Mitnick's first brush with the law came in 1981 when he was caught hacking into the computer system at the Pacific Bell Telephone Company. Mitnick was placed on probation for a year, but the incident only served to fuel his interest in hacking.
Over the next several years, Mitnick became one of the most skilled and notorious hackers in the world. He gained access to sensitive information at some of the most high-profile companies in the world, including Motorola, Sun Microsystems, and IBM. His exploits earned him a spot on the FBI's most wanted list and made him a hero in the hacker community.
Mitnick's most famous hack was his penetration of the computer network at the United States Department of Defense. Mitnick was able to gain access to highly sensitive military information, including email messages and software source code. This hack put him in the crosshairs of the FBI, who launched an intensive manhunt to capture him.
Mitnick was eventually caught and sentenced to five years in prison. He was also subjected to several years of supervised release. After his release from prison in 2000, Mitnick turned his life around. He became a computer security consultant and author, using his knowledge and experience to help companies protect themselves from hackers.
Mitnick is a renowned authority on computer security and has written several books on the subject, including "The Art of Deception," "The Art of Invisibility," "The Art of Intrusion," and "Ghost in the Wires." He has also been a keynote speaker at many security conferences and has shared his insights on cybersecurity with audiences worldwide. His contributions to the field have been significant, and he is highly regarded in the cybersecurity community.
You can read all the books here.
Kevin David Mitnick's life is a cautionary tale of the dangers of unchecked curiosity and the consequences of breaking the law. However, his story also highlights the importance of understanding the motivations behind the hacking and the power of ethical hacking as a tool for good. Today, Kevin Mitnick is considered a reformed hacker and a respected authority on computer security.
I was addicted to hacking, more for the intellectual challenge, the curiosity, the seduction of adventure; not for stealing, or causing damage or writing computer viruses. - Kevin David Mitnick