Kevin Mitnick Obituary: Remembering the Legacy of a Remarkable Hacker and Beloved Friend
On July 16, 2023, the world bid farewell to Kevin David Mitnick, a legendary computer hacker whose life was filled with intrigue, controversy, and an insatiable thirst for knowledge in the realm of cybersecurity. At the age of 59, Kevin peacefully passed away after bravely battling pancreatic cancer for over a year. His loss is deeply felt by his beloved wife, Kimberley Mitnick, who stood by his side throughout their 14-month ordeal, and who now carries their first child, a testament to the new chapter they were excitedly embarking on together before fate intervened.
In this time of mourning, we also remember Kevin’s loved ones who preceded him in death, including his devoted mother, Shelly Jaffe, his loving grandmother, Reba Vartanian, his father, Alan Mitnick, and his half-brother, Adam Mitnick. Their memories remain cherished in the hearts of those who knew them.
Kevin’s surviving family includes his brother-in-law, Ricky Barry, and his wife Roxy, along with their three children: Millie, Winston, and George. He is also survived by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Daisy and Andrew Tibbs, his stepmother Nanci King, and his great aunt Sophie “Chickie” Leventhal, alongside her longtime partner, Dr. Bob Berkowitz. Additionally, Kevin’s cousins, Mitch Leventhal, Karen van den Berg, Jolie Mitnick, Mark Mitnick, and Wendy Cohen, share in the grief of losing this exceptional individual.
Throughout his extraordinary life, Kevin was blessed with unwavering support from dear friends, both old and new. Among them, Michael Morris, Paul Dryman, Roy Eskapa, Shawn Nunley, Darci and Brianna Wood, Amy Gray, Alex Kasper (Kasperavicius), David Kennedy, David Fugate, Dr. Nick Spirtos, Stu Sjouwerman, and Apollo Robbins played integral roles, leaving an indelible impact on Kevin’s journey. His countless friends, including legions of fans who fueled the “FREE KEVIN” movement, all contributed to the rich tapestry of his life.
From a young age, Kevin displayed brilliance and restlessness while growing up in California’s San Fernando Valley. As an only child, he possessed an innate curiosity and a penchant for mischief, always seeking to challenge authority. Magic captivated him, and he relished captivating audiences with his intelligence and charm. However, over time, his curiosity led him down a darker path of phone phreaking, social engineering, and computer hacking.
The consequences of his actions landed him in juvenile detention and prison, but it was during these times that Kevin’s story gained notoriety, earning him a spot on the FBI’s Most Wanted List. His captivating adventures were vividly documented in his New York Times bestselling book, “The Ghost in the Wires: My Adventures as the World’s Most Wanted Hacker,” along with other titles co-authored with William Simon and Robert Vamosi.
Emerging from his final prison term in January 2000, Kevin underwent a transformation, paving the way for a new career as a White Hat hacker and cybersecurity consultant. His expertise and brilliance made him a sought-after global public speaker, writer, and founder of Mitnick Security Consulting. In partnership with close friend Stu Sjouwerman, he assumed the role of Chief Hacking Officer and co-owner of the successful security awareness training company, KnowBe4.
Kevin’s journey was marked by unexpected friendships and alliances. Even the bus driver who observed him memorizing bus schedules and punch card systems, allowing him to ride buses all day for free, testified as a character witness during his federal trial. Kevin’s impact was immense, with the federal prosecutor acknowledging that he never intended to profit financially from his actions. His charisma and ability to turn foes into lifelong friends were unparalleled.
To those who knew him, Kevin was a captivating mix of charm, passion, and intensity. He demanded to be kept updated at all times, ensuring he had all the facts, even if it meant multiple phone calls in a single day. His work ethic and pursuit of excellence were relentless, as evidenced by his collaboration with the Global Ghost Team, an elite pentesting group spanning multiple countries.
His love for hacking, however, extended beyond personal gain, as Kevin used his skills to educate and protect others. He was a visionary, consistently finding ways to hack into organizations with proper authorization, to demonstrate vulnerabilities and educate the world about cybersecurity. Kevin’s contributions inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in this crucial field, leaving an indelible mark and an extraordinary legacy.
In his final chapter, Kevin faced pancreatic cancer with the same tenacity and determination that defined his life. He and Kimberley dedicated countless hours to exploring the best treatments and cutting-edge research. Their search led them to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where they received exceptional care from Dr. Amer Zureikat, Dr. Randall Brand, and their incredible staff. Their efforts to fight the disease will always be remembered.
Beyond his brilliance, Kevin was known for his impeccable manners and boundless generosity toward those he loved. His laughter was infectious, and he embraced the humor in his compulsive perfectionism and work ethic. He laughed at himself, a rare quality that endeared him to others.
For many, Kevin was simply “Kev,” a cherished friend, devoted husband, and a confidante. He lived a lifetime in a single, albeit too short, journey. Though he has departed, the memory of his infectious spirit, his captivating personality, and his impact on the world will endure.
As we mourn the loss of Kevin Mitnick, we also rejoice in the upcoming birth of his and Kimberley’s child, a symbol of hope and continuity. May the child know that across the globe, Kevin’s many friends hold them in their hearts, eager to share stories of a remarkable man who touched countless lives.
Rest in peace, Kev, for you are deeply loved and will be missed eternally.
A private memorial and burial service will be held to honor Kevin’s life, inviting close friends and family members to celebrate his extraordinary journey.
In honor of Kevin’s memory and the causes close to his heart, donations can be made to The National Pancreas Foundation () or The Equal Justice Initiative (). These organizations remain committed to making a positive impact in the communities they serve, a legacy that aligns with Kevin’s dedication to making the world a better place.