Cybersecurity Icon Kevin Mitnick Passes Away at 59 After Battling Pancreatic Cancer

In a poignant obituary published today, the family of renowned cybersecurity expert Kevin Mitnick announced his passing on July 16, at the age of 59, after a courageous struggle with pancreatic cancer.

Mitnick, widely recognized as one of the most famous hackers in cybersecurity history, had a legendary reputation for his hacking exploits, which inspired multiple films based on his life.

One such film, "WarGames," starring Matthew Broderick, drew inspiration from allegations that Mitnick had successfully hacked into the computer systems at North American Aerospace Defense Command during his teenage years. He steadfastly denied these claims. 

Throughout his eventful life, Mitnick's insatiable curiosity led him down a different path, resulting in a 1988 arrest for stealing $1 million worth of proprietary software from Digital Equipment Corporation. Sentenced to a year in prison and three years of probation, he found himself in further trouble in 1995 when a new arrest warrant was issued for violating probation. Subsequently, Mitnick went on the run, breaking into the computer systems of various corporations, cell phone companies, and educational institutions, according to a federal indictment.

Despite his actions, Mitnick and his supporters always maintained that he never intended to cause harm or seek financial gain. In a 2008 interview with Wired magazine, he claimed to be an "old-school hacker" motivated purely by intellectual curiosity. His capabilities, however, were a cause for concern, leading to solitary confinement during his incarceration, as authorities feared he could continue hacking even from behind bars.

Mitnick reached a plea deal with federal prosecutors in 1999, pleading guilty to 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 banned from any employment involving access to computers or related equipment during a probationary period. However, he was released in 2000 after being credited for time served.

In 2011, Mitnick released his memoir, "Ghost in the Wires: My Adventures as the World’s Most Wanted Hacker," detailing his hacking escapades and reflecting on his past mistakes.

After completing his prison term, Mitnick transformed his life, becoming a white-hat hacker and using his expertise to assist businesses legally in tracking potential threats to their systems. For the past ten years, he served as the chief hacking officer and partial owner of the tech security firm KnowBe4, which was founded by his close friend and business partner, Stu Sjouwerman.

In a candid interview with CNN in 2005, Mitnick expressed remorse for his earlier actions, acknowledging that he had made foolish mistakes but felt grateful for the opportunity to use his skills for the betterment of the community.

Sjouwerman, deeply affected by Mitnick's passing, praised his contributions to the cybersecurity industry and described him as not only a luminary but also a wonderful human being. Mitnick's memorial service is scheduled for August 1 in Las Vegas, as announced by his company. He leaves behind his wife Kimberley, who is currently expecting their first child.

The world has lost an influential figure in the cybersecurity realm, and Kevin Mitnick's legacy as a hacker-turned-cybersecurity advocate will continue to inspire future generations to use their talents for the greater good.