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Kevin Mitnick, a reformed hacker who was once one of the FBI's "most wanted" cybercriminals, has died at the age of 59. Mitnick spent five years in prison for computer and wire fraud following a two-year federal manhunt in the 1990s.
But after his release in 2000 he reinvented himself, becoming a renowned "white hat" hacker, cybersecurity consultant and author. He died on Sunday following a 14-month long battle with pancreatic cancer. "Kevin was an original; much of his life reads like a fiction story," his obituary reads.
Kevin Mitnick was a well-known American computer security consultant, hacker, and author. He gained notoriety in the 1980s and 1990s for his high-profile hacking exploits, which led to one of the most extensive and highly publicized FBI manhunts in history.
Born on August 6, 1963, in Van Nuys, California, Mitnick showed an early interest in computers and technology. He started exploring phone systems and computer networks in his teens and became involved in various hacking activities. In the 1980s, he was known for breaking into the computer systems of major corporations, including IBM, Nokia, and Fujitsu, as well as various government agencies.
Mitnick's hacking skills earned him the reputation of a "black hat" hacker, meaning he engaged in unauthorized and illegal activities to access computer systems. He used social engineering techniques to manipulate people into providing sensitive information, such as passwords and access codes.
His hacking exploits eventually caught the attention of law enforcement, and in 1995, he was arrested by the FBI. After a series of high-profile legal battles, Mitnick was sentenced to five years in prison for various computer-related crimes, including wire fraud and possession of unauthorized access devices.
During his time in prison, Mitnick became a cause célèbre among the hacker community, with some viewing him as a martyr for the hacker cause. He served his sentence and was released in 2000.
After his release, Kevin Mitnick decided to turn his life around and put his skills to positive use. He became a computer security consultant and established his own firm, Mitnick Security Consulting, LLC. As a security consultant, he helped organizations identify vulnerabilities in their systems and provided recommendations for enhancing their cybersecurity.
Kevin Mitnick is also a successful author and has written several books on hacking, computer security, and social engineering. Some of his notable books include "The Art of Deception: Controlling the Human Element of Security" and "Ghost in the Wires: My Adventures as the World's Most Wanted Hacker."
Over the years, Mitnick has become an advocate for ethical hacking and cybersecurity awareness. He frequently speaks at conferences and events, sharing his experiences and insights on cybersecurity and how individuals and organizations can protect themselves from cyber threats.
While Kevin Mitnick's past is marked by illegal activities, he had since transformed into a respected figure in the cybersecurity community, using his knowledge and expertise for positive and legal purposes.
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