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Ghost in the Wires: My Adventures as the World's Most Wanted Hacker Kindle Edition

by Kevin Mitnick (Author), Steve Wozniak (Foreword) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 4,007 ratings
In this "intriguing, insightful and extremely educational" novel, the world's most famous hacker teaches you easy cloaking and counter-measures for citizens and consumers in the age of Big Brother and Big Data (Frank W. Abagnale).

Kevin Mitnick was the most elusive computer break-in artist in history. He accessed computers and networks at the world's biggest companies -- and no matter how fast the authorities were, Mitnick was faster, sprinting through phone switches, computer systems, and cellular networks. As the FBI's net finally began to tighten, Mitnick went on the run, engaging in an increasingly sophisticated game of hide-and-seek that escalated through false identities, a host of cities, and plenty of close shaves, to an ultimate showdown with the Feds, who would stop at nothing to bring him down.

Ghost in the Wires is a thrilling true story of intrigue, suspense, and unbelievable escapes -- and a portrait of a visionary who forced the authorities to rethink the way they pursued him, and forced companies to rethink the way they protect their most sensitive information.

"Mitnick manages to make breaking computer code sound as action-packed as robbing a bank." -- NPR
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  1. Print length
    433 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Little, Brown and Company
  4. Publication date
    15 Aug. 2011
  5. File size
    2.9 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product description

Review

'Terse and snappy, it reads like Raymond Chandler and provides detailed insight into a time in computer history that already seems quaint. Kevin Mitnick was and is a true Internet pioneer' John Perry Barlow, co-founder of the Electronic Frontier Foundation; known as the Thomas Jefferson of cyberspace 'Intriguing, insightful and extremely educational into the mind of one who truly mastered the art of social engineering with the use of a computer and modern day technologies' Frank W. Abagnale, author of Catch Me if You Can 'At last, America's most famous hacker tells his headline-making story from his own point of view. The result is more than just a meticulous chronicle of Kevin Mitnick's hacks - it's an expose of the invisible bureaucratic machinery underlying nearly every aspect of our lives, and how easily it's subverted by a smooth-taking grifter who sees all the moving parts. A fascinating read' Kevin Poulsen, author of Kingpin: How One Hacker Took Over the Billion Dollar Cyber Crime Underground

About the Author

The world's most famous (former) computer hacker has been the subject of countless news and magazine articles and one-time 'most wanted' criminal of cyberspace, on the run from the bewildered Feds. Now a security consultant, he has spoken to audiences at conventions around the world, been on dozens of major national TV and radio shows and testified in front of Congress.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00FOQS8D6
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Little, Brown and Company; 1st edition (15 Aug. 2011)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.9 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 433 pages
  • Customer reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 4,007 ratings

About the authors

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  1. William L. Simon

    William L. Simon

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    William L. Simon is the author or co-author of more than 30 books, including numerous New York Times, national, and international bestsellers. Born in Washington, DC, he holds two degrees from Cornell University, and has been a freelance writer ever since -- first as a writer of documentaries, corporate, and informational films, then as a book author. He is a member of the Writers Guild of America, West, and now lives in Los Angeles.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Donna Beech

    Donna Beech

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    Donna Beech is a top tier New York Times bestselling collaborative writer, who specializes in making complex ideas accessible and engaging. Her work has been published by Little Brown, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Macmillan, St. Martins Press, Penguin, Hachette, Harcourt Brace, Oxford University Press, and dozens of other publishers. www.donnabeech.com

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  3. Kevin D. Mitnick

    Kevin D. Mitnick

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    Hello

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4,007 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and fun to read. They appreciate the gripping storyline and well-written explanations for key concepts. The book provides interesting insights into the world of hacking and technology from a psychological and social perspective.

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ReadabilityStory qualityWriting qualityInterestInsightHacking history
77 customers mention ‘Readability’77 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and easy to read. They say it provides eye-opening insights into the world of hacking and is a must-read for techies. The author is described as clever and intelligent, making it a highly recommended read.

"...From the start of the book it grabs the reader and won`t let go...." Read more

"...However, it is a fascinating account and a thoroughly enjoyable read." Read more

"I think this was a brilliant book. Well written, and if you're into hacking and phone freaking, extremely interesting...." Read more

"...to finally read Mitnick's own words on his exploits in this very readable book...." Read more

47 customers mention ‘Story quality’41 positive6 negative

Customers find the story engaging and entertaining. It provides a factual account of Mitnick's exploits and clears up myths about them. They describe the book as gripping and interesting, with an action-packed narrative that keeps readers hooked.

"...This book clears up the myths (He can whistle into a telephone and launch a nuclear missile from NORAD) and explains that not all hackers are in it..." Read more

"...with Ghost in the Wires: whilst it is undoubtedly a wonderful account of Mitnick's exploits, it reveals little or nothing of the man or his motives...." Read more

"Ghost in the Wires covers one of the most fascinating stories from the early days of the internet, and 'hacking' as a term for unauthorised entry..." Read more

"...Here then is the warts and all factual account of what happened...." Read more

24 customers mention ‘Writing quality’24 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's writing quality. They find the explanations clear and readable, with a style that is quick and witty. The English is simple and easy to understand, with enough detail for geeks to enjoy. The technical descriptions are presented in a clear and interesting way, without jargon.

"I think this was a brilliant book. Well written, and if you're into hacking and phone freaking, extremely interesting...." Read more

"...There's enough detail to keep people like me happy, but it's presented so anyone can follow and understand it...." Read more

"...And the level of detail and insight supplied by Kevin is great - I didn't think it was the most engaging of the books Mitnick and Simon have co-..." Read more

"...aren't particularly known for being erudite, but this is remarkably well written...." Read more

19 customers mention ‘Interest’19 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and eye-opening. They say it provides an excellent view into the world of hacking and social media, and offers numerous ideas for further reading. Readers appreciate the informative content from the early days of computing.

"...Both fast paced and informative, it takes the reader from Kevin`s beginnings as a fan of magic tricks and magicians, to Ham radio and of course..." Read more

"...Well written, and if you're into hacking and phone freaking, extremely interesting. This is the story of Kevin Mitnick from his perspective...." Read more

"...It's exciting too, not just a dry story from one perspective...." Read more

"...books Mitnick and Simon have co-authored, but it was engaging enough to carry the story forward and supplied a great view into not only Kevin's..." Read more

17 customers mention ‘Insight’17 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful and interesting from a psychological perspective. They find it honest and an eye-opener, providing insights into how vulnerable we are today. The book also sheds light on the social life of a gifted man and the chaotic world. Readers appreciate the technical details and human interest for geeks. The book offers terrifying insights into the justice system and reveals the truth behind many rumours and myths.

"...of the book may be off-putting to some readers, but I find it refreshingly honest...." Read more

"...but it was engaging enough to carry the story forward and supplied a great view into not only Kevin's actions and motivations, but his character..." Read more

"...It was interesting from a psychological point of view. A really clever kid with too few social connections...." Read more

"Not only does this book read like a good thriller, it also offers terrifying insights into the way the "justice" system works in the US when..." Read more

9 customers mention ‘Hacking history’9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's history of hacking. They say it's a must-read for anyone interested in security, technology, and social engineering. The story of one of the greatest hackers in computing history is amazing.

"...human behaviour when the mind is unguarded, this book is not just about hacking computers, it is the real deal. Well written too. Brilliant read." Read more

"Fantastic read for anyone with an interest in technology, hacking and social engineering!..." Read more

"...I like the fact how some of the hacks are well explained . Really enjoyed reading it :)" Read more

"very interesting story, an immersion on the social engineering hacking history and his technique." Read more

Missing pages
1 out of 5 stars
Missing pages
I am not happy... this book has missing pages. They've not been ripped out it's like it has been miss printed. I bought this as a gift and this has only just been noticed.a
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Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Whistlewhileyouwork
    5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing story about not only a great hacker but the stupity of law inforcement.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 October 2011
    Verified Purchase
    As someone who grew up with the birth of the public internet (ahh CompuServe) and a fan of dialing in to friend of friends houses at night to "acquire" files, Kevin's story is very familiar to me.

    However this book blows away the misinformation and media hype surrounding the story and is told in a thrilling and sometime humorous way.

    From the start of the book it grabs the reader and won`t let go. Both fast paced and informative, it takes the reader from Kevin`s beginnings as a fan of magic tricks and magicians, to Ham radio and of course telephones and networks. If you've heard of Kevin Mitnick i guarantee you have not heard the truth. This book clears up the myths (He can whistle into a telephone and launch a nuclear missile from NORAD) and explains that not all hackers are in it for the money.

    Buy,beg,borrow this book.......Then check your computer security.

    My book of the year 5/5
    Thank you Kevin and good luck in the future

    The Art of Intrusion: The Real Stories Behind the Exploits of Hackers, Intruders and Deceivers
    The Art of Deception: Controlling the Human Element of Security
    5 people found this helpful
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  • John Dexter
    4.0 out of 5 stars Gripping
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 October 2011
    Verified Purchase
    In Ghost in the Wires Kevin Mitnick's pleads his case that he is (or at least, was) a "hacker" (one of the good-guys) rather than a "cracker" (a mere criminal) and, if you're interested in how easily gifted conmen manipulate their "marks", his account of being the world's most wanted hacker is a gripping read from start to finish. However, Mitnick is a gifted conman and that's the point - it is easy to be persuaded that he was a benign explorer in a virtual world who was victimised by an ignorant and fearful state, but the truth is not quite so simple.

    The fact is, that Mitnick freely acknowledges committing criminal acts and he seems to have had little regard for other people's privacy or rights. Sadly, he demonstrates even less remorse for his actions. Indeed, both during and after his incarceration, Mitnick and his supporters have crafted a persona of an anti-hero - a cybercrusader who was somehow immune from the norms of decent behaviour that constrain most of society. Herein lies the shortcoming with Ghost in the Wires: whilst it is undoubtedly a wonderful account of Mitnick's exploits, it reveals little or nothing of the man or his motives. Although we are given tantalizing glimpses into Mitnick's relationships with friends and family and furnished with banal excuses that he was compelled by some "addiction" (p.40), one is left with the feeling that this is a highly sanitised history, designed to put the best "spin" on his version of events.

    Nonetheless, Mitnick's treatment at the hands of the US judicial system is shocking. The unaccountable fear and paranoia demonstrated by the authorities when prosecuting him almost beggars belief and it is difficult to comprehend the impact that months of solitary confinement and incarceration without trial must have had on such a free spirit. Undoubtedly, it is this inhumane treatment that generates sympathy for Mitnick and eclipses his criminal escapades in the eyes of his supporters.

    It is difficult not to admire the skill and persistence that Mitnick demonstrated in the pursuit of his goals but it is worth remembering that society needs protection from people who employ such talents to take things that don't belong to them: this is a message that seems to have got lost in Ghost in the Wires. However, it is a fascinating account and a thoroughly enjoyable read.
    11 people found this helpful
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  • Walt Georgio
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 March 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I think this was a brilliant book. Well written, and if you're into hacking and phone freaking, extremely interesting. This is the story of Kevin Mitnick from his perspective. Couldn't stop reading.
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  • Henrik Østerlund Gram
    5.0 out of 5 stars the 'catch me if you can' of the computer age
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 October 2011
    Verified Purchase
    I was a first year comp.sci.student when Mitnick was caught and always wondered about the real stories behind it all, so it was a real delight to finally read Mitnick's own words on his exploits in this very readable book.

    He's not very apologetic about his actions (which consist mostly of talking people into given him information he shouldn't have, rather than actual hacking though there's a little of that as well). He's always got some excuse ready to justify the 'just one more hack.' The unapologetic nature of the book may be off-putting to some readers, but I find it refreshingly honest.

    As someone who hacked his way through an unchallenging time in high school, in a time before the Internet where you had to figure out everything on your own, I totally understand the excitement and the lure he experienced, but thankfully I was able to stop before it got me into any serious trouble. Decades later, I find that my most skilled colleagues in the programming field are those who already in their teens were interested in figuring out 'how stuff worked' - actions which today would've landed them in jail...
    8 people found this helpful
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  • LongSteve
    5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for anyone with even a passing interest in computers and the Internet
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 November 2011
    Verified Purchase
    I bought this on day of release in hardback, which is odd for me, I generally read everything electronically and buy Kindle ebooks these days. I remember the stories of Kevin Mitnick from back when I was at University learning Computer Science. This was just at the start of the Internet era. I remember thinking at the time, 'man, the stories make this guy seem like an international terrorist, I wonder what the truth actually is' and now I know.

    The book is a very easy read, whether you're a tech head or not. There's enough detail to keep people like me happy, but it's presented so anyone can follow and understand it. It's exciting too, not just a dry story from one perspective. The author did lot of research into the other people involved in the story, getting interviews and documents to build a very complete picture of hacking, running from the authorities and finally getting caught.

    I enjoyed this very much, and would recommend it to anyone.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Amazonaute
    5.0 out of 5 stars Livre en anglais
    Reviewed in France on 9 June 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Livre en anglais, mais je le savais en achetant. Plutot facile à lire mis à part quelques termes techniques.

    L'histoire est plutot sympa même si l'auteur fait preuve d'un égocentrisme insupportable : "tout petit déjà, j'étais plus intelligent que la moyenne"...

    Côté livraison / prix / état du livre, vous pouvez y aller les yeux fermés !
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  • CB
    5.0 out of 5 stars I love it!
    Reviewed in Italy on 31 January 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Even if you’re not familiar with certain topics this is definitely a book for anyone.
    Report
  • Shivangi
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good book
    Reviewed in India on 22 July 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Book came in good quality. Like it.
    Report
  • Ruisth
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting book
    Reviewed in Spain on 4 August 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I found this book very interesting. however the paper quality could be a little better
    Report
  • Daniel
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente libro para conocer más sobre Kevin.
    Reviewed in Mexico on 24 March 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Que se puede decir de un libro que cuenta la vida y anécdotas del más grande y carismático Kevin M. Ampliamente recomendado para todos aquellos interesados en el arte del h4ck1ng
    Report

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