Epitaph for a Hacker — RIP Kevin Mitnick

Just learned last night that Kevin Mitnick passed away on Sunday — I think it’s fitting to say RIP and write an epitaph for a hacker. I never knew the guy but it’s safe to say that his life story did a lot to inspire me as a writer. Was Mitnick a villain, a cyberpunk warrior, or a counter-culture activist? Let’s take a moment to pause and reflect.

First, some basic facts: As it says in his obit, ‘Kevin David Mitnick, 59, died peacefully on Sunday, July 16, 2023, after valiantly battling pancreatic cancer for more than a year. Kevin is survived by his beloved wife, Kimberley Mitnick, who remained by his side throughout their 14-month ordeal. Kimberley is pregnant with their first child. Kevin was ecstatic about this new chapter in his and Kimberley’s life together, which has now been sadly cut short.’

Mitnick was a lifetime hacker — makes sense for us to consider him since we’ve spent so much time documenting the History of Hacking. His life story was equally romanticized and demonized by media outlets — a cyberpunk hero or a villainous vandal, depending on who you talked to.

Law enforcement, major corporations seemed to hate and fear Kevin Mitnick. When he was released in prison, his supervised release forbade him to use any communications technology other than a landline telephone. How did he get started, and what drove…