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  • Ghost in the Wires

  • My Adventures as the World’s Most Wanted Hacker
  • Written by: Kevin Mitnick, William L. Simon
  • Narrated by: Ray Porter
  • Length: 13 hrs and 59 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (164 ratings)

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Ghost in the Wires cover art

Ghost in the Wires

Written by: Kevin Mitnick, William L. Simon
Narrated by: Ray Porter
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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.

What the critics say

“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)

What listeners say about Ghost in the Wires

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wow

talk about re-living my youth through a book, thanks Kevin for the 80s and 90s you were my hero then and now, and now I know the whole story!

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2 people found this helpful

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Amazing!

i loved it. it was great to hear the whole story. sad the books done.

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Excellent Work

I have had an interest in Kevin Mitnick's story for some time. This telling did not disappoint. It was quite enjoyable listening to his retelling of the hacks he performed and not only what systems and areas he got in to but how he did it. What was especially enjoyable is I grew up around the same technology he was working with so in many ways it was a trip down memory lane.

The audible performance was excellent, great work by Ray Porter. The story was engaging and filled with excellent detail and flow to keep me very interested. Excellent work.

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Greek wanna be can love this too

For some reason the never-ending details to each technical adventure drew me in further and further despite my lack of knowledge for computer hacking I truly enjoyed this story and amazing if true story, and now credited truth. like magic

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What a story to tell!

Great book to listen too, well read and an amazing story. Definitely recommend this to anyone that's into computers and networks.

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An epic real life story

Lots of technical words, some swears, but the story is awesome.
Mitnick takes you with him on his journey as a fugitive, with a lot of details about how and why he did what he did. It made me realize how vulnerable to social engineering we all are, no matter the security that's in place. The weak point is always people.

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The power of social engineering.

Funny enough I had never heard about Kevin Mitnick prior to a few months back when my company decided to offer some online training on how to catch phishing and other types of attacks through e-mails. When I saw this book appear on my audible I was quite curious to give it a try. I am blown away to see what can be done through social engineering when it comes to hacking. Awesome book, very entertaining and with great narration.

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One of the most engaging books I have read

The story is exciting, Mitnick's problem solving skills are fascinating, the injustice by the US Justice system is appalling, the performance of Ray Porter is fantastic. This audiobook is great.

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Very interesting book

Great listen, a bit repetitive but very interesting. It was cool hearing about all the different ruses Kevin came up with.

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This book is amazing

Kevin’s journey, his humour, story telling and all the ups and downs makes this book worthy to read (listen to). Thank you Kevin for sharing your journey with us.

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