Kevin Mitnick, the renowned hacker known for his trickery in the 1980s and 1990s, has passed away at the age of 59 after battling pancreatic cancer. Mitnick, who started off as a mischievous student and eventually became a respected cybersecurity professional, public speaker, and author, played a significant role in society’s understanding of computer hacking. His journey, including his time behind bars and subsequent redemption, helped the public differentiate between serious cybercrime and youthful curiosity. Mitnick was never driven by money; instead, he sought trophies and cellphone code. Throughout his career, he excelled in social engineering, particularly his adeptness at pretexting, which remains one of the most effective hacking techniques. Mitnick’s legacy lies in his ingenuity, curiosity, and his ability to challenge and push boundaries in the field of cybersecurity. Despite his reputation, Mitnick emphasized that his hacking activities were driven by a quest for knowledge rather than malicious intent. Born in Van Nuys and raised in Panorama City, Mitnick’s passion for computers began during his teenage years when he stumbled upon the world of phone phreaks. Mitnick’s story is not one of mere criminality; rather, it reveals a complex and troubled individual who was more annoying than vindictive. While Mitnick’s exploits were often exaggerated, leading to excessive prison sentences and fear among officials, he became a cause celebre for hackers who believed his punishment was unjust. Mitnick’s notable works include “The Ghost in the Wires” and “The Art of Deception.” In addition to his role at KnowBe4, he ran a successful penetration-testing business with his wife. Mitnick’s impact on the cybersecurity world will be remembered for challenging norms and pushing boundaries.
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