Kevin Mitnick facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kevin Mitnick
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Mitnick in 2010
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| Born |
Kevin David Mitnick
August 6, 1963 Van Nuys, California, U.S.
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| Died | July 16, 2023 (aged 59) Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
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| Nationality | American |
| Other names | The Condor, The Darkside Hacker |
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| Organization | Mitnick Security Consulting Chief Hacking Officer at KnowBe4, Inc |
| Board member of | KnowBe4 |
| Criminal charge(s) | 1995: Wire fraud (14 counts), possession of unauthorized access devices (8 counts), interception of wire or electronic communications, unauthorized access to a federal computer, and causing damage to a computer. |
| Criminal penalty | 1988: One year prison. 1999: 46 months prison plus 3 years' probation |
| Call sign | N6NHG |
Kevin David Mitnick (August 6, 1963 – July 16, 2023) was a famous American computer expert and author. He was known for his amazing skills with computers and networks.
He became well-known for getting into computer systems without permission. This led to his arrest in 1995 and he spent five years in prison.
After his release, Mitnick used his skills for good. He became a trusted computer security consultant. He helped companies and governments protect their computer systems.
Contents
Kevin Mitnick's Story
Kevin Mitnick's journey was quite famous. His arrest and time in prison were talked about a lot. Many people had different opinions about his case.
His story helped people understand computer security better. It also showed how important it was to have rules for computer crimes. His case even influenced how news media can affect legal cases.
Becoming a Security Expert
After he was released from prison in 2000, Kevin Mitnick changed his path. He started working as a paid security consultant. He also became a public speaker and wrote books.
He offered his expertise to many companies and government groups. He would test their systems to find weaknesses. This is called "penetration testing." He also taught classes on "social engineering." This is about how people can be tricked into giving away information.
Mitnick ran his own company, Mitnick Security Consulting LLC. He was also part owner of KnowBe4. This company helps people learn about security and how to avoid online tricks. He lived in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Kevin Mitnick passed away on July 16, 2023, at 59 years old. He died from pancreatic cancer. He left behind his wife and their unborn child.
Kevin Mitnick in Media
Kevin Mitnick's life inspired movies and documentaries.
Movies and Documentaries
In 2000, a movie called Track Down was released. It was known as Takedown outside the US. The movie was based on a book about Mitnick's capture. Skeet Ulrich played Kevin Mitnick in the film.
Mitnick also appeared in a documentary by Werner Herzog. This film was called Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World (2016).
Books by Kevin Mitnick
Kevin Mitnick wrote several books about computer security. He also wrote his own life story.
Books He Wrote
He co-authored these books with William L. Simon and Robert Vamosi:
- (2002) The Art of Deception: Controlling the Human Element of Security
- (2005) The Art of Intrusion: The Real Stories Behind the Exploits of Hackers, Intruders & Deceivers
- (2011) Ghost in the Wires: My Adventures as the World's Most Wanted Hacker
- (2017) The Art of Invisibility
Books About Him
One book was written about Kevin Mitnick with his permission:
- (1996) The Fugitive Game: Online with Kevin Mitnick, by Jonathan Littman
See also
In Spanish: Kevin Mitnick para niños
