• The Art of Deception

  • Controlling the Human Element of Security
  • By: Kevin Mitnick
  • Narrated by: Nick Sullivan
  • Length: 13 hrs and 41 mins
  • 4.2 out of 5 stars (135 ratings)

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The Art of Deception

By: Kevin Mitnick
Narrated by: Nick Sullivan
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Publisher's summary

The world's most infamous hacker offers an insider's view of the low-tech threats to high-tech security. Kevin Mitnick's exploits as a cyber-desperado and fugitive form one of the most exhaustive FBI manhunts in history and have spawned dozens of articles, books, films, and documentaries. Since his release from federal prison, in 1998, Mitnick has turned his life around and established himself as one of the most sought-after computer security experts worldwide. Now, in The Art of Deception, the world's most notorious hacker gives new meaning to the old adage, "It takes a thief to catch a thief."

Focusing on the human factors involved with information security, Mitnick explains why all the firewalls and encryption protocols in the world will never be enough to stop a savvy grifter intent on rifling a corporate database or an irate employee determined to crash a system. With the help of many fascinating true stories of successful attacks on business and government, he illustrates just how susceptible even the most locked-down information systems are to a slick con artist impersonating an IRS agent.

Narrating from the points of view of both the attacker and the victims, he explains why each attack was so successful and how it could have been prevented in an engaging and highly readable style reminiscent of a true-crime novel. And, perhaps most importantly, Mitnick offers advice for preventing these types of social engineering hacks through security protocols, training programs, and manuals that address the human element of security.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2003 Kevin D. Mitnick (P)2009 Tantor Audio

What listeners say about The Art of Deception

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Stories of deception and how to prevent them

The book contains very interesting stories of how People steal information from big and small businesses. It goes over the steps the saboteurs take and how they think in great detail. The final chapters van be skipped for a non professional reader as it details how to form trainings on these topics.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing book on IT Security!

It was the most exciting read on IT Security. Some material felt a little dated, but most information and strategies are still relevant today!

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A must read for any one in the cybersecurity indus

A lot of useful information and ready for you policies to apply in your company. A highly recommended book.

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3 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Not bad

Not bad information. It could’ve been shortened by a few hours, though. Seems like he repeated himself several times.

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1 person found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Good security device delivered by old misogynist

Mr. Minnick may know his IT security but makes clear in his book that he doesn't think women can be hackers and that the only time they can be social engineers is if they seduce people. Cringed throughout.

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14 people found this helpful

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    2 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

dated, old, needs a rewrite for the 21st century.

I am a fan of the author's work but this was written along time ago and half of it really isn't plausible in 2023. The millennials are a lot more savvy and won't be manipulated with much of the methods described here. I know this as a late boomer still hanging on to my infosec career in 2023. today's computer users can be social engineered but you will need more sophisticated scams, not what you read here.

Think of this book as a time capsule of social manipulation techniques pre 9/11.

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Extremely Dated

Written in the early 2000s and it shows. That said, I enjoyed it as a time capsule from another era.

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