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)

Fantastic Story!!!

This was an amazing story. It is also very detailed-oriented for techies. LOVED IT! i am going to start listening to it again right now:)

A dream that became reality

It's been years since I've actually picked up a book and read it. Well nowadays hear it through audiobook. I've heard whispers, theories, damages, and the success of Kevin but didnt actually do research or anything of any sort. I just let it be and continued with my day to day life. After been recommended this book because I myself in the I.T world, I couldn't stop reading it. this is an awesome book and anyone who in the I.T world should read it. You'll be amazed by his life story of hacking

Amazing story about the art of social engineering

Even if the stories in this book are half true they are still amazing. The ending of the book is a little predictable though.

super engaging and interesting

it was fun hearing directly from mitnick and amazing that he was addicted to hacking without financial gain as a motivator

A fascinating insight into the hacker's mind

Some really incredible memoirs by one of the world's most skilled social engineers and phreakers. Mitnick shares interesting tactics he used to pull of his exploits and pranks. He talks a great deal about his intentions for his actions. Many feel that he speaks remorselessly about his crimes, but I think this is just further insight into the hacker's mind, you don't think about recourse in the moment and while this book is a memoir, he's mostly written as a retelling of the events as if they were unfolding before you. As someone with some familiarity with the things discussed in the book, I was intrigued by his thought process and his ability to rethink his tactics and pivot on a dime. Some say he is just a liar or a scammer, but this really discredits the work, skill, and brilliance involved in social engineering. I'm glad this story has a happy ending and thank the 2600 community and Emmanual Goldstein for all he did. KEVIN FREE

These hackers blow my mind how they do things

Would you consider the audio edition of Ghost in the Wires to be better than the print version?

I dont have time to read so I listen to all my books these days so I like the audible version

What about Ray Porter’s performance did you like?

Great

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

The value of being a great social engineer.

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend this book. Fascinating.

Great Book!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, it is a fun and relevant story to hear.

Which scene was your favorite?

Tracking down Eric.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

What it means to be on the grid.

Insightful, funny and capturing

What did you love best about Ghost in the Wires?

The momentum of the book is great, keeping you captivated.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The conversational style

Have you listened to any of Ray Porter’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but I will look to in the future based on this effort.

If you could give Ghost in the Wires a new subtitle, what would it be?

Intellect without remorse

Any additional comments?

Slightly abrupt ending, but a great listen!

Told by Kevin Mitnick (official)

Where does Ghost in the Wires rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Fantrastic listen. Great to hear the story direct from the source. Brilliantly written and read.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

So good to hear how it was pulled off. Kevin did not hold back on telling the truth.

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

Well read

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

Yes

Any additional comments?

Brilliant to listen to and recommended to all retired priates / hacker from the day, telecomminication experts, security personel, lovers of social engineering and nerds.

This was a great book

Where does Ghost in the Wires rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best books I've listened to on Audible. The story and was fascinating and Ray Porter was excellent. This would have to be must listen for anyone with any sort of tech interest.