Customer Reviews

Ghost in the Wires: My Adventures as the World's Most Wanted Hacker

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've been into computers as long has Mr Mitnick has I find his story self-interested, unrepentant, and poorly written for a 40-something who took a college course in 'Writing'. The fact that Mitnick consistently points out flaws with others, all the while praising (even celebrating) his own cleverness as he breaks laws leads me to conclude that he's a narcissistic juvenile. His never-ending stories of 'social engineering' illustrate that he really enjoys being a successful liar.

If you haven't read Cliff Stoll's book Cuckoo's Egg, go for it rather than this. I know it's old but at least it's well written.

A grand adventure into the past of Kevin Mitnick. Filled with crazy cool info and interesting facts. Having worked in the telcos myself this was an eye opener of what can be done for something do simple. The book was filled with knowledge and humour the likes all computer phreaks would get. 5 star all the way

Let me start by saying that I don't read a whole lot of books, but when I started reading "Ghost in the Wires" I literally could not put it down! I finished it in two days. If you are looking for an uber geek book that you would swear was written by Hollywood screen writers then this is the book for you!

What surprised me most about this book was the extent of social engineering employed by Kevin. You can definitely tell he was no slouch when it came to technical or "hacking" abilities; but all this was largely overshadowed by his ability to convince people to simply hand over access. I found myself constantly disrupting my wife to share several examples of this. Read this book to really, truly, understand what makes a hacker successful ... you!

This book gives an interesting account of the life of Kevin Mitnick from his early years of phone phreaking to his later years as a sophisticated computer hacker. Anyone who has solved puzzles will understand the joy Kevin speaks of as he cracks each new problem. Nice addition to each chapter with a small encrypted puzzle for the reader as well.

I listened to this off I-Tunes. I found it very interesting even though I'm not a computer programmer/hacker/phone phreaker. I can't believe how long Kevin was left in prison without a trial!
The fear that abounded in that time over Hackers was eye opening. As was the pull Kevin had to continue hacking and using social engineering skills even when it often brought him grief. Very interesting to put yourself in the shoes of the "Dark Side" Hacker and find out he's just a very smart, curious and mischievous guy who got on the wrong side of powerful/ignorant people.
Great Book, Thanks Kevin for freeing your story.

From the beginning until the end it was a book I didn't want to put down. I was semi-familiar with the Kevin Mitnick story beforehand and had interest in learning more. I'm glad I did.

I know it sounds cliche but once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. As you read the book and Kevin recalls his adventures you feel as if you are there with him looking over his shoulder as he's typing away. This book brings to light many security issues that have plagued big companies. As well the injustice that can happen when the media blows things out of proportion. This is easy to read for the laymen no technical knowledge required.

Gives great insight into social engineering, as well as to the development of hacking and hacker culture. As a bit more of a technical reader, I found the book giving excellent descriptions into the build up of the telecoms, as well as how security evolved to fight hackers (who were usually a step ahead, especially in Mitnick's case!).

I have been reading the book since I received it and it is a very great story. Mitnick has nothing to hide and goes into details many years old and talks so candidly that it might as well just happened. I have been following his career for a long time and this is one of the best books about how society bases too much on trust and how easily people can be manipulated for another persons gain. I recommend anyone who works in a type of career that deals with sensitive information should get this and read it. You won't be dissapointed!