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CNN Interviews Kevin Mitnick
phantom writes to tell us that a couple of days ago Kevin Mitnick gave an interview to CNN further deconstructing his past exploits and discussing his current activities.
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Does anyone know exactly how exagerrated or perhaps accurate the movie "Takedown" was?
Why is it that people get so worked up over Mitnick?
Dude, have you *read* the story of Mitnick? Yeah, he did some things he shouldn'ta. He knew it. He was a dick. He also didn't send out P3N15 spam, nor did he do any particular damage to the systems he infiltrated.
But where it gets interesting? His prosecution... He was denied more rights than most people know they have, and was even denied right to a phone call because they feared he could launch bombs by squeaking ringtones into the phone!
Simple absurdity.
I have no problem with your religion until you decide it's reason to deprive others of the truth.
Why is it that people get so worked up over Mitnick?
Because a) the treatment he got was far worse than the crime he committed, mostly because people fear what they don't understand and the government didn't understand computer crime back then, and b) because he didn't get a trial for a really long time.
repeat after me
could NOT care less
Unpublished works are more protected, as obtaining a copy deprives the owner of the exclusive right. Especially source code has a real value, often millions, which would be lost if it were leaked and spread to the public. In this case the damages are the total value of the product, the cost of development.
There was a case long ago where a hacker obtained a document about 911 operating procedures. Initially they charged him with millions of damages, which included a lot of manhours of work, the cost of all computer systems used to write it, etc. When it was discovered a copy of the document could be ordered by anyone for a few dollars, the case was dropped. This is because the crime switched from stealing an unpublished work to copying a published work.
I was also kind of annoyed by that, because I had thought he would jump on that language. I think that he has probably tired of making the distinction for people. And really you can't force a new word onto the populous, because you think it isn't descriptive or correct. Word's evolve through the cultural experience that you just don't have control over, even when they are simply not descriptive. Do you think Hormel Foods is going around giving interview about how they want to change that everyone uses the word SPAM, from it's use to describe unsolicited emails. Sorry hormel, monty python and culture is stronger than your corporate brand.
Also, from the CNN Mitnick photo, and comparing it to the Mitnick I saw in the interview on The Broken, Mitnick is obviously taking steps to become more studly corporate. He's lost weight, got some stylish glasses, trimmed the mullet. With this new persona, he maintains cool corporate Mitnick so he can't get all nuts with his interviewer by saying things like "They're Crackers Cindy for God's sake!!, the bad hackers are called crackers! Forget your interivew, I'm leaving you dumb bitch!"
...::----::...
I am in no way affiliated with this sig.
He waived his right to a speedy trial. If he hadn't he would have been tried a lot faster.
Here's a look at Kevin's record. Still think he was abused?
There's no way he didn't get what he deserved.
Kevin Mitnick's criminal record:
1981
Where: California
Charge: Computer fraud for stealing computer manuals from Pacific Bell
Sentence: One year probation
1987
Where: California
Charge: Computer fraud (no details available)
Sentence: Pleaded guilty, but sentence unknown
==> According to Cyberpunk (Markoff and Hafner) Kevin claims he manipulated the FBI's
system to delete his outstanding warrent. Who know's, maybe he did maybe he didn't.
1989
Where: California
Charges: Computer fraud and possession of unauthorized access devices for hacking into MCI and Digital Equipment computers
Sentence: One year in low-security prison and three years of supervised release
Time Served: One year, much of it at a halfway house for people with compulsive disorders
1992
Where: California
Charges: Computer fraud and possession of unauthorized access devices for allegedly hacking into state Department of Motor Vehicles computers
Sentence: Charges still pending
1995
Where: North Carolina
Charge: Possession of unauthorized access devices
Sentence: Eight months
Time served: Eight months
Where: California
Charge: Violation of supervised release
Sentence: Fourteen months
Time served: Fourteen months
1996
Where: California
Charges: Computer fraud, wire fraud and possession of unauthorized access devices
Sentence: Subject to terms of plea bargain
Here he eventually paid $4000 restitution and was released in January of 2000.
I've got nothing against Mitnick personaly. I've gotten great entertainment from
the books written on his exploits. Hell, I even read his book on security (wasn't
very good though). But there's been no injustice here. The claim that he spent so
much time in jail without being charged is silly. He already had enough outstanding
changes to keep him there a very long time. Eventually he made a deal, served the
remaining time and was released. I wish him luck. Unlike many people here I think
he's done great to exploit the masses that admire him to make a chunk of money and
stay out of trouble. Good for him!