Ghost in the Wires

My Adventures as the World’s Most Wanted Hacker

By: Kevin Mitnick, William L. Simon

Narrated by: Ray Porter

Length: 13 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

Kevin Mitnick was the most elusive computer break-in artist in history. He accessed computers and networks at the world’s biggest companies—and however fast the authorities were, Mitnick was faster, sprinting through phone switches, computer systems, and cellular networks. He spent years skipping through cyberspace, always three steps ahead and labeled unstoppable. But for Kevin, hacking wasn’t just about technological feats—it was an old fashioned confidence game that required guile and deception to trick the unwitting out of valuable information.

Driven by a powerful urge to accomplish the impossible, Mitnick bypassed security systems and blazed into major organizations including Motorola, Sun Microsystems, and Pacific Bell. But as the FBI’s net began to tighten, Kevin went on the run, engaging in an increasingly sophisticated cat-and-mouse game that led through false identities, a host of cities, plenty of close shaves, and 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 escape and a portrait of a visionary whose creativity, skills, and persistence forced the authorities to rethink the way they pursued him, inspiring ripples that brought permanent changes in the way people and companies protect their most sensitive information.

©2011 Kevin Mitnick. Foreword 2011 by Steve Wozniak (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“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. I strongly believe that one can learn a great deal about protecting themselves once they understand how another one perpetrates the crime.” (Frank W. Abagnale, author of Catch Me If You Can)

Blink, wink!

A truly great story, but at times felt like a run on sentence. Between the different hacks, codes, and phone companies it's easily to get lost if you blink. I guess the trick is, don't blink.

Nonetheless, a solid recommendation!

God has blessed you with a Gift Kevin.

This account of Kevin Mitnick expresses capers and amusements that only an action comedy could emulate. Kevin your ability to turn things around is amazing, God has given you a gift. Thank you for the suspense and laughter. Your experiences express the earnestness of man wanting to find "who" they are while finding out what the world is all about and truly finding your center in all of the chaos. FREE KEVIN!

I loved it

I think the voice of the narrator is awesome. I found out later that he voices Darksyd, the justice league baddie, which was fun. I loved hearing all about Mitnick’s life and his social engineering exploits, the story about the Las Vegas convention and the cellphone was very surprising. It was good at explaining everything, even though so much of the technology is outdated to me, and I loved how much it highlighted the emotional states and thoughts of the author because it made me feel invested in his story.

Good Story - Troubling Lack of Remorse

The audio performance great! The technical details shared in the story stuck a good balance between those of us who are "techies" and those who are not. Easily understandable for either audience.

The most troubling part for me was the lack of true remorse for the emotional effect on his family. He states that he felt bad numerous times but he continued to use them - especially for money.

Multiple times the author states that although he broke the law he should not have been punished or received the severe punishment that he did. This is akin to being ticketed for speeding but not understanding why a ticket was issues the ME when there are people who are driving drunk which is much worse. Oh, and I only was speeding to see how fast the car would go - I was not in traffic, etc.

Other than the author's attitude of playing the victim when it came to the law, the story is fascinating. However I did find myself becoming more angry with his attitude the further I got into the book.

Overall, good read.

Very interesting read!

Definitely really enjoyed listening to this incredible account! Good even if you know nothing about computers.

Gripping Description of Amazing Experiences

Would you listen to Ghost in the Wires again? Why?

Yes, I would listen to Ghost in the Wires again. I didn't want to quit listening for almost any reason. As the wife of an Enterprise Architect I have "heard" many of the terms, languages, and companies, etc. mentioned in the book. While I am not so computer literate I was totally fascinated with Kevin's ingenuity, intuitiveness, curiosity, abilities and the list goes on.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Ghost in the Wires?

The most memorable moments in Ghost in the Wires involves how disturbing many of the false accusations were. While so much of what Kevin Mitnick accomplished crossed some dangerous lines when it comes to security the reasons were not intentionally detrimental.

Which character – as performed by Ray Porter – was your favorite?

Kevin Mitnick

Good read, if arrogant author

Great story, very readable. Author is an arrogant you-know-what. Serious prison time was required for better decisions on his part. But a good read overall.

Great Book

I enjoyed the book and the narrator. I am glad Kevin Mitnick was able to write the truth about his experiences.

Riveting!

5th time listening. Still on the edge of my seat throughout! Should be mandatory for anyone working in IT.

vary good listen

started it yesterday and already done really enjoyed it. the person reading did a great job also.