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)

Amazing story and narration

First of all the biography of the writer is really interesting and you can understand how social engineering works. Furthermore the narration was amazing. Loud, clear and interesting voice tone of the narrator. Well done. For cyber security experts I consider this a must read, even if you are already in the field. The writer is a Legend.

A terrific and very fun listen

This was an interesting, engaging and fun listen. Mitnick does a great job of recounting his hacking life and making it an enjoyable read. The narrator really did a great job reading this and would recommend him as a narrator.

Well done all around!

Informative.

Great book! I love Ghost in the Wires book, This book just amazing. Nice book.

Exceeded expectations

Heard good things about this book but it still exceeded my expectations. Narration is on point, and the story is gripping and fun. Easy 5* for me.

Great Insight into a different world

I loved the story and the details, especially when Mitnick got technical. It was a fun ride all the way through, just waiting for what happened next!

Fun with I guess a little fiction

It is a fun story with I guess a little fiction. The social engineering parts are pretty insane but can definitely happen back then.

Wonderful

A fantastic book that I struggled to put down. The narrator is great, 10/10 would recommend. I did not understand much of the technical jargon, but that did not break my immersion in the slightest and proved very enjoyable overall.

Great insight into hacking

This is a very insightful book that reveales the actions, attitude, and achievements of one of the best known hackers. Also very entertaining is the complete falsehoods he was subjected to by the press and government prosecution.

Exceeded my expectations

I downvoted the book thinking that it was a novel not an autobiography. I listened anyway and I am so glad that I did. First off, Ray Porter is a top tier narrator and I am never disappointed with his performances, but I did not expect the fascinating story of Kevin Mitnick. I remember when everything was going on with him, but never knew the background or the extent of his expertise. Fascinating read. I am glad that I read it!

Outstanding

Very interesting totally hook to continue listing. Amazing to know the other side of the events compared to the news version that was report during all those years. Highly recommended !