Kevin Mitnick, once globally recognized as the most sought-after computer hacker, sadly died on July 16th at the age of 59. Mitnick’s obituary reveals that he had been waging a war against pancreatic cancer for over a year, receiving treatment at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. His life, often likened to a thrilling work of fiction in his obituary, was filled with exploits and adventures.
Mitnick first dipped his toes into the world of hacking in 1979, but it was not until 1988 that he faced his first conviction and a 12-month prison sentence for software duplication. During his supervised release, he audaciously infiltrated Pacific Bell’s voicemail systems, before embarking on a hacking spree throughout the 90s. He breached cell networks, corporate, and government websites, always a step ahead of the law. Mitnick was implicated in the theft of countless files and credit card numbers, although his obituary emphasizes he did not profit monetarily from his activities.
In 1995, authorities finally apprehended him, slapping him with charges of illegal use of a telephone access device and computer fraud. He was suspected of possessing access to trade secrets that were worth millions. After serving five years in prison, a period he whimsically referred to as a “vacation”, Mitnick underwent a career shift. He chose to employ his skills for good, becoming a White Hat hacker and cybersecurity consultant. By 2011, he was part owner and chief hacking officer of KnowBe4, a company offering security awareness training and simulated phishing platforms to its clientele.
Before his infamous hacking career, as a 12-year-old, Mitnick demonstrated his knack for exploiting systems. He cleverly navigated Los Angeles’s public transportation system by memorizing bus schedules and punch cards, and even procured his own punch tool systems for unlimited bus rides. He is survived by his wife, Kimberley Mitnick, and their unborn child.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Kevin Mitnick’s Death
What were some of Kevin Mitnick’s significant hacking achievements?
Kevin Mitnick began his hacking journey in 1979. He was convicted for the first time in 1988 for copying a company’s software. After his release, he hacked Pacific Bell’s voicemail computers, cellular networks, and several company and government websites in the 1990s. He was also implicated in the theft of numerous files and credit card numbers, but he reportedly did not personally profit from these activities.
Where did Kevin Mitnick receive treatment for his pancreatic cancer?
Kevin Mitnick was treated at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center for his pancreatic cancer.
What did Kevin Mitnick do after serving his prison sentence?
After serving a five-year prison sentence, Mitnick changed his career direction. He became a White Hat hacker and cybersecurity consultant. He even became part owner and chief hacking officer of KnowBe4, a company that provides security awareness training and simulated phishing platforms to its clients.
Who survived Kevin Mitnick?
Kevin Mitnick is survived by his wife, Kimberley Mitnick, and their unborn child.
What is Kevin Mitnick’s background before becoming a hacker?
Before his hacking career, Kevin Mitnick demonstrated a knack for understanding and exploiting systems as a child. At 12 years old, he managed to game Los Angeles’s public transportation system by memorizing bus schedules and punch cards and obtaining his own punch tool systems to ride buses for free.
More about Kevin Mitnick’s Death
- Kevin Mitnick’s Early Life and Hacking Career
- Mitnick’s Contributions to Cybersecurity
- More About White Hat Hackers
