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)

Fascinating, disturbing!

First of all, the narrator, Ray Porter was perfect. The story was indeed fascinating and provoked many emotional reactions on my part which is a signal that no matter what one thinks of Kevin or his counterparts, it was worth while hearing his story nonetheless. Ray Porter was a perfect choice for voice and did a great job!

Hard to grasp.

If you could sum up Ghost in the Wires in three words, what would they be?

Watch your security.

Would you be willing to try another book from Kevin Mitnick and William L. Simon ? Why or why not?

No.

What three words best describe Ray Porter’s performance?

OK with material.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. Too mind numbing.

Any additional comments?

A real eye opener. People can see whatever we are doing. Internet, cameras, etc. A little creepy and eye opening. I was amazed/fascinated/frightened at the minds that get and use the electronic mediums to their advantage. A new World!

Absolutely Compelling

Very suspenseful. Not overly technical, but still detail oriented. Thrilling from the beginning to the end.

Baffled...

Just don't understand the author's lack of remorse, or any indication that his actions affect(ed) other people. The story kept me engaged... despite his repeating patterns of addiction. Just because his actions were motivated by "curiosity" not personal or financial gain... means he's innocent? And most of all- what he continually calls "social engineering" is what I call LIES and DECEPTION. This book exposes who he is- sadly lacking a moral compass.

Fascinating although a bit too detailed

This was a great listen into the crazy beginnings of hacking. I was glued until about 3/4 of the way through the book when it just seemed to be repetitive with the detailed descriptions of social engineering hacking into systems, near misses with getting caught... I'm certainly glad I listened to it.

Reads like a Thriller

Great book. Amazing character. You also learn a lot about social engineering which might save you a fortune. The book was a lot better and entertaining than I expected. Also thought book might be dated but it was far from it. Good reader.

Riveting Biography, Although A Little Self Serving

What did you love best about Ghost in the Wires?

As an IT Professional, listening to the social engineering aspects of "hacking" was an amazing eye opener.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Kevin Mitnick is the poster boy for computer hacking.

What does Ray Porter bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Ray Porter's narration was so believable I almost thought HE was the one who had written the book.

Engaging, eye opening and compelling.

Ray Porter us one of the best narrators today, after listening I feel like I know Kevin Mitnick, like we were on the run from the same groups, betrayed by the same friends, and helped along by the same amazing people.

Fascinating but exasperating

The technical details and social engineering concepts are profoundly interesting, but the author's attempts to paint himself as some sort of victim wear thin very quickly.

What a fun ride!

This is one of those Audiobooks that progressively pushes other activities aside until it is done, because of how enjoyable it is. Full disclosure: I'm a computer programmer born in the 80s so I likely have a predisposition to like this story.