Kevin Mitnick

Kevin Mitnick ex hacker y ahora famoso consultor en redes en Campus Party M%C3%A9xico 2010

American computer security consultant, author, and hacker

Kevin Mitnick

Name	Kevin Mitnick
Birth name
Birth date	(1963-08-06)August 6, 1963
Birth place	Van Nuys, California, U.S.
Death date	July 16, 2023(2023-07-16) (aged 59)
Death place	Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
Alma mater
Occupation	Computer security consultant, author, hacker
Years active
Organization
Known for	Hacking, social engineering (security)
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Kevin David Mitnick (August 6, 1963 – July 16, 2023) was an American computer security consultant, author, and hacker. He was best known for his high-profile 1995 arrest and subsequent five years in prison for various computer and communications-related crimes. Mitnick's story is considered a cautionary tale about the dangers of cybercrime and the importance of cybersecurity.

Early Life

Kevin Mitnick was born in Van Nuys, California. He grew up in the Los Angeles area and developed an early interest in technology and telecommunications. As a teenager, he became proficient in phone phreaking, a method of manipulating telephone systems to make free calls.

Hacking Career

Mitnick's hacking career began in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He gained unauthorized access to computer networks at companies such as Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) and Pacific Bell. His activities included copying proprietary software and altering computer systems.

Arrest and Imprisonment

In 1995, Mitnick was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) after a highly publicized pursuit. He was charged with multiple counts of wire fraud, possession of unauthorized access devices, and interception of wire communications. Mitnick was sentenced to five years in prison, including eight months in solitary confinement.

Post-Prison Career

After his release from prison in 2000, Mitnick became a computer security consultant and public speaker. He founded Mitnick Security Consulting, LLC, and authored several books on computer security and social engineering (security), including The Art of Deception and The Art of Intrusion.

Legacy

Kevin Mitnick's life and career have had a significant impact on the field of cybersecurity. His story has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and films. Mitnick's transformation from a notorious hacker to a respected security consultant serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of cyber threats and the importance of robust security measures.

See Also

• Hacker (computer security)
• Social engineering (security)
• Cybercrime
• Cybersecurity
• Phone phreaking