Iconic Hacker Kevin Mitnick Dies at 59

Kevin Mitnick, one of the most famous hackers, phone phreakers, and social engineers in the history of cybersecurity, died on July 16th, 2023 at the age of 59, after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. This hits home as this is that same disease that took Tim "Major Attitude" Tibbets from us last year.

He was known for his legendary hacking sprees starting from the age of 16. He was able to hack into the computer systems of some of the largest companies in the world, including Motorola, Nokia, and Sun Microsystems. This led him to be put on the FBI's Most Wanted List. He was able to evade capture for two years by living off the grid and using fake identities. Eventually, Mitnick did plead guilty to charges of wire fraud, computer fraud, and unauthorized access to a computer.



This arrest led to the "Free Kevin Movement," a grassroots campaign led by a group of hackers and security enthusiasts, to support Mitnick. The Free Kevin movement argued that Mitnick's crimes were not serious enough to warrant the long prison sentence that he was facing. They also argued that the FBI had engaged in excessive force in their pursuit of Mitnick and that he had been denied due process. The Free Kevin movement was successful in raising awareness of Mitnick's case and in putting pressure on the government to reduce his sentence. In 2000, Mitnick was released from prison after serving five years.

The Free Kevin movement had a significant impact on the cybersecurity industry. It helped to raise awareness of the issue of hacking, and it also helped to change the way that the government and the public view hackers. The Free Kevin movement is a reminder that even though hacking can be a serious crime, it is important to remember that not all hackers are criminals. In some cases, hackers can be valuable assets to society, and ethical hacking can help to improve the security of our computer networks.



Kevin Mitnick is best known for his high-profile 1995 arrest. However, he has also accomplished a great deal after his release from prison.

Here are some of his most notable accomplishments:

Author: Mitnick has written several books about his life and experiences as a hacker, including "The Art of Deception" and "Ghost in the Wires." These books have been translated into over 20 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide.
Security consultant: Mitnick is a highly sought-after security consultant. He has worked with some of the largest companies in the world to help them improve their cybersecurity practices.
Public speaker: Mitnick is a frequent speaker at security conferences and events. He is known for his entertaining and informative presentations about hacking and security.
Educator: Mitnick has taught security courses at universities and colleges around the world. He is also the co-founder of Mitnick Security Consulting LLC, a company that provides security training and consulting services.

Kevin Mitnick is a fascinating figure who has had a profound impact on the security industry. His story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of hacking, but it is also a testament to the power of human ingenuity.