He was indeed a prominent figure in the history of cybersecurity and hacking.
His hacking exploits and subsequent legal battles have been a subject of interest and inspiration for many.
Kevin Mitnick's notoriety began with allegations that he hacked into the computer systems at North American Aerospace Defense Command as a teenager, which partially inspired the film "WarGames."
He denied these allegations. However, his hacking activities caught up with him in 1988 when he was arrested for stealing $1 million in proprietary software from Digital Equipment Corporation.
He served a prison sentence and was later arrested again in 1995 for violating his probation by breaking into the computer systems of various entities.
Throughout his hacking journey, Mitnick claimed that his motivations were driven by intellectual curiosity rather than malicious intent or financial gain.
Nevertheless, federal authorities were concerned about his capabilities, leading to his confinement in solitary to prevent him from hacking even from prison.
In 1999, Mitnick reached a plea deal with federal prosecutors, which included a prison sentence and restrictions on his future employment involving computers.
After serving his time, he transformed into a white-hat hacker, using his expertise to legally help businesses with their cybersecurity efforts.
Mitnick published a memoir titled "Ghost in the Wires: My Adventures as the World's Most Wanted Hacker" in 2011, sharing his hacking experiences.
He later became the chief hacking officer and part owner of the tech security firm KnowBe4, using his skills to benefit the cybersecurity industry.
Kevin Mitnick's journey from a notorious hacker to a cybersecurity advocate and consultant showcased his growth and second chance at contributing positively to society.
He was highly regarded by his friends and colleagues, with Stu Sjouwerman, his close friend and business partner, expressing his condolences.
A memorial for Kevin Mitnick is scheduled for August 1 in Las Vegas, where he is survived by his pregnant wife, Kimberley.
His legacy will be remembered by many in the cybersecurity community, and his contributions to the industry will continue to be appreciated. May he rest in peace.