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)

Legendary in the cyber security world.

Great book. Just finished it today. Legendary guy. Rest in paradise Kevin Mitnick. Great insight on his reasons.

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.

Interesting story!

I loved the narration. And it was a great story that kept me wondering what was gonna happen next.

Incredible

What did you love best about Ghost in the Wires?

Never uninteresting.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

How cinema-esque the whole story is - it could be made into a movie and I believe still be compelling.

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

I listened whenever I was in the car, and sometimes I would sit in my car after arriving at my destination because I didn't want to stop.

Any additional comments?

An amazing story, better for IT professionals. Even better if you're an IT professional at a phone company.

Everything you expect and more

The witty story of Kevin Mitnick will keep you gripped, laughing, and on his side. Who knew the worlds greatest hacker was such an interesting character with a bountiful amount of stories 👍🏼

Interesting on how he did it.

Was quite interesting on how he social engineered people to get what he needed. I guess it was because of the early days of computers and the innocents involved. That said I'm sure things he did are still being done. There were a few slow times like when login numbers were being read. I mean after about 2 it would have been fine but to keep going with like 10 well I thought that was a bit to much. Over all to me it was a very good listen.

Amazing true story of a young hacker

Free Kevin! I was too young to understand at the time but levis recount of the events is amazing.

Great book!!!

I knew a lot about Kevin and some of his adventures but nothing near what this but entails. A must read for anyone!