Kevin Mitnick
Kevin Mitnick
Kevin David Mitnickis an American computer security consultant, author and hacker, best known for his high-profile 1995 arrest and later five years in prison for various computer and communications-related crimes...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionBusinessman
Date of Birth6 August 1963
CountryUnited States of America
Kevin Mitnick quotes about
became control fascinated hacker phone system
I was fascinated with the phone system and how it worked; I became a hacker to get better control over the phone company.
complete document everywhere hacker major multiple office open people send somebody soon trap
Somebody could send you an office document or a PDF file, and as soon as you open it, it's a booby trap and the hacker has complete control of your computer. Another major problem is password management. People use the same password on multiple sites, so when the hacker compromises one site, they have your password for everywhere else.
american-celebrity beating best case code enjoyed hacker security source
Then again, my case was all about the misappropriation of source code because I wanted to become the best hacker in the world and I enjoyed beating the security mechanisms.
anyone causing damage damaged hacker malicious productive ways
I don't condone anyone causing damage in my name, or doing anything malicious in support of my plight. There are more productive ways to help me. As a hacker myself, I never intentionally damaged anything.
allowed computers connect connecting net networks personal prevent programs sites
Use a personal firewall. Configure it to prevent other computers, networks and sites from connecting to you, and specify which programs are allowed to connect to the net automatically.
act blank government hacks interested patriot proved spy subtle terrorists total wants
The Patriot Act is ludicrous. Terrorists have proved that they are interested in total genocide, not subtle little hacks of the U.S. infrastructure, yet the government wants a blank search warrant to spy and snoop on everyone's communications.
controls either exploiting
Hacking is exploiting security controls either in a technical, physical or a human-based element.
finding learning love solving technology
I love solving puzzles, I love finding my way around obstacles, and I love learning new things about technology.
assume companies critical people proactive
Most people assume that once security software is installed, they're protected. This isn't the case. It's critical that companies be proactive in thinking about security on a long-term basis.
american-celebrity apparently appeal case code guy laptop major source witness worked
I'm an expert witness in a case that's in appeal about a guy who allegedly misappropriated source code from a major, major company - he actually worked there and then apparently they found it on his laptop later.
art credit legitimate living performance run
Being on the run wasn't fun, but it was something I had to do. I was actually working in legitimate jobs. I wasn't living on people's credit cards. I was living like a character out of a movie. It was performance art.
firm
Once when I was a fugitive, I was working for a law firm in Denver.
absolutely aside budgets businesses expert funding needs security unless
Businesses should absolutely set aside funding in their budgets for security consultants. Unless there is an expert on staff, and there usually is not, it needs to be outsourced.
becoming feared government kid notorious perform tricks
I went from being a kid who loved to perform magic tricks to becoming the world's most notorious hacker, feared by corporations and the government.