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)

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!

Extremely amazing book

Extremely loved it , the book is great and the reader is talented. Amazing adventure.

This book is awesome!!

I would recommend this book to everyone. If your looking for something a little different an not scared to do stuff..

Ghost in the Wires

After having read his "Becoming Invisible," curiosity took me to this greater understanding sequel. There are challenges in life that often end up for our own or that of others higher good. This is such a story. Minimal are the books I have recommended in this journey of read, yet I have found myself recommending Kevins book to those I most love, appreciate or desire to stay out of digital harms way. Great read.

Hooked

A catching story that follows the life and exploits of the worlds most wanted hacker.

well writen and read, this audio book was hard to turn off.