Episode 026 - Kevin Mitnick - Raw, Uncensored and Uncut

Probably no other name is thought of more when people talk about social engineering than Kevin Mitnick.  Kevin’s new book, “Ghost in the Wires” is now on the New York Times Best Seller list and there is a lot of comments, debates and opinions about Kevin floating around.  The Social-Engineer.Org crew asks the questions that the rest of the world is afraid to and we get the answers that every one wants to hear. We covered:

• A lot of people have complained about you saying you have a big ego and step on other people on a regular basis. How do you respond to that?
• There has been some in the community complaining saying that you have squandered a chance to help change the image of what a “hacker” is, and instead have focused on self promotion. When you hear that sort of complaining, does it bother you?
• What is the single biggest mistake you have made over the years? How would you do it different over again if you could?
• If you were 16 now, in 2011, how do you think your life would end up being different? With the internet and changes in communications, would you have had different interests?
• What advice you would give to a 15 year old today that was going down the same road as you were at that age?
• Is there anything that you have had to hold back in the book so you don’t get in more trouble? Don’t tell us what is is, but, is this everything?
• Why write the book now? Why not 5 years ago?
• How has your legacy affected your current business? Would you have an easier or harder time if you did not have this reputation?
• Is there any degree of burden being “Kevin Mitnick” and knowing that people are always watching you for a chance to make fun or insult? Or is it worth the trouble to get the attention?
• You had a large number of people that turned on you. Why do you think that is? Is it just a matter of people trying to save their skin? Or was it something else?
• Do you have fake identities lined up right now, just in case?
• In the book you mention recent conversations you have had with some of your previous victims. How did that go? Was it awkward talking to them at all?

Kevin recommended a book: The Art of Deception

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