Kevin Mitnick: From Hacker to Security Guru, Dead at 59

Kevin Mitnick, a pioneering hacker known for his antics in the 1980s and 1990s, has passed away at the age of 59 after battling pancreatic cancer. Mitnick's career spanned from being a fugitive and imprisoned felon to becoming a respected cybersecurity professional, public speaker, and author. He was known for his expertise in social engineering, using tactics such as impersonating company employees to obtain passwords and data. Mitnick's story highlighted society's evolving understanding of computer hacking and the distinction between serious cybercrime and youthful mischief. Despite his controversial past, Mitnick's contributions to the field of cybersecurity were widely recognized and he became a sought-after advisor for lawmakers and corporations.