Kevin Mitnick, a pioneering computer hacker renowned for his antics in the 1980s and 1990s, passed away at 59.

He died on Sunday in Las Vegas following a 14-month battle with pancreatic cancer, AP reports.

Mitnick's colorful career encompassed a range of roles, from a student tinkerer engaging in computer mischief to an FBI-hunted fugitive, imprisoned felon, and, finally, a respected cybersecurity guru, public speaker, and author sought after for advice by lawmakers and major corporations.

Throughout Mitnick's journey, the public gained insight into the nuances of computer hacking and learned to distinguish serious cybercrimes from the actions of mischievous youths seeking to showcase their hacking skills.

Contrary to financial gain, Mitnick's motivations primarily revolved around obtaining trophies, particularly cellphone codes.

Mitnick's high-profile arrest in 1995 drew significant attention, occurring three years after he had skipped probation on a prior computer break-in charge.

The government accused him of causing substantial damage to companies like Motorola, Novell, Nokia, and Sun Microsystems through software theft and computer code alterations.

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Kevin Mitnick's Arrest

Kevin Mitnick's insatiable curiosity led to his downfall when he was arrested in 1988 for stealing $1 million worth of proprietary software from Digital Equipment Corporation, per CNN.

As a result, he was sentenced to one year in prison and three years of probation. However, in 1995, a new arrest warrant was issued for violating his probation, prompting Mitnick to run.

During this time, he reportedly broke into the computer systems of various corporations, cell phone companies, and educational institutions, as documented in the federal indictment against him.

Throughout the ordeal, Mitnick and his supporters maintained that his actions were driven by intellectual curiosity rather than malicious intent or financial gain.

He insisted that he was an "old-school hacker," exploring systems out of a desire to learn rather than cause harm.

The severity of the authorities' concerns about Mitnick's capabilities was evident during his incarceration in 1995.

He was held in solitary confinement out of fear that even proximity to a telephone could enable him to continue hacking.

Mitnick reached a plea deal with federal prosecutors in 1999, leading to his conviction on seven criminal counts, including wire fraud and causing damage to computers.

As part of the agreement, he received a 46-month prison sentence and was prohibited from being employed in any capacity involving access to computers or related equipment during his probation period.

Mitnick was ultimately released in 2000, thanks to credit for time already served.

Kevin Mitnick: From Most Wanted Computer Hacker to Security Consultant

Following his release from prison, Kevin Mitnick transformed into a "white hat" computer hacker, adopting a constructive approach to cybersecurity, according to BBC.

As a white hat computer hacker, he used his skills to identify vulnerabilities and security issues within organizations, helping them improve their security configurations.

Mitnick founded Mitnick Security Consulting in 2003, providing cybersecurity advice to Fortune 500 companies and government agencies. His expertise and insights became invaluable in the fight against cyber threats.

Mitnick became the "chief hacking officer" and a part owner of KnowBe4 in 2011, a company specializing in phishing security awareness training.

Through this role, he continued to share his knowledge and expertise to help individuals and organizations defend against phishing attacks and other social engineering tactics.

His transformation from a notorious computer hacker to a respected cybersecurity expert earned him recognition as "the world's most famous hacker."

He was known not only for his technical brilliance but also for his intelligence, humor, and exceptional skill with technology.

His legacy as an original "social engineer" remained unmatched, leaving a lasting impact on cybersecurity.

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Written by: Bert Hoover

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