Once upon a time, in the mid-90s, I was drawn into a world of hackers and cybersecurity experts, seeking knowledge and inspiration. Among the names that echoed through our circles was that of Kevin Mitnick, a legendary figure revered for his audacious exploits and unmatched hacking prowess.

Kevin’s stories were the stuff of legends, like how he managed to hack into the source code of cellphone towers, a feat that left us all in awe. But what truly amazed me was his daring act of monitoring the FBI’s phones, pinging in and out undetected like a modern-day phantom. His reputation soared, but it also led to dire consequences.

For a long time, Kevin was imprisoned and treated as a domestic terrorist, a dark chapter in his journey that many of us remember vividly. However, Kevin’s resilience was undeniable, and he emerged from his struggles, soaring to new heights with his consulting business, Mitnick Security, and collaboration with KnowBe4. His transformation from a hacker on the wrong side of the law to a cybersecurity expert was awe-inspiring.

Our paths intertwined oddly shortly after his release when an organization Kevin had targeted repeatedly was hacked once again. When he hacked them, he traveled incognito in a van; this mobile hacking lab was a marvel of ingenuity, weaponized to break into internet service providers using cell phones—a feat unheard of back then. Someone had breached their systems and was being monitored, likely unaware of the innate paranoia and fortifications from past encounters with Kevin in his prime. If only these attackers knew the dedication and skill required to fend off such attacks, they would have seen the victim as more than just another target.

As fate would have it, suspicion turned toward me during the investigation into the latest breach. I was questioned about my involvement and that of others in my circle, who may or may not have been responsible for the intrusion. Strangely, I did not know the real intruders, yet somehow they had linked me to the caper with hacker-planted evidence. The situation was perplexing and surprising, especially to my parents.

Although my chance to ask Kevin about this incident never came, I can imagine the stories he might have shared about the chase and life on the run. In the vastness of the internet, it’s a small world indeed, especially when you’re constantly scanning for hidden doorways.

I am writing this blog with mixed emotions today as Kevin has passed away. Kevin Mitnick, you were a hacker and a symbol of transformation and redemption. You’ve made significant contributions to cybersecurity, leaving a lasting impact. As we bid you farewell, may your legacy continue to inspire future generations to strive for greatness in the world of security.

Rest in peace, Kevin Mitnick, a digital martyr and rehabilitated hacker who has left an indelible mark on the world.