detonate.net - Teh Uber-Hacker Returning To The Net; Mitnick's Coming!

CALIFORNIA Hacker's Internet Cuffs Coming Off!

Felon Kevin Mitnick's probation ends Jan. 20. He says he's starting a computer security firm.

By David Ho, Associated Press

A man the federal government once labeled "the most wanted computer criminal in U.S. history" can soon resume surfing the Internet and using electronic devices he was forced to give up after his conviction.

Kevin Mitnick, 39, of Thousand Oaks served five years in federal prison for stealing software and altering data at Motorola Inc., Novell Inc., Nokia Corp., Sun Microsystems Inc. and USC. Prosecutors accused him of causing tens of millions of dollars in damage to corporate computer networks.

Mitnick was freed in January 2000. The terms of his probation, which expires Jan. 20, require that he get government permission before using computers, software, modems or any devices that connect to the Internet.

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Mitnick has been allowed to use a cell phone for two years and received permission this year to type a manuscript on a computer not connected to the Internet.

"Not being allowed to use the Internet is kind of like not being allowed to use a telephone," Mitnick said Thursday.

Mitnick said he was starting a firm to help companies protect themselves from computer attacks. He said the end of his probation would allow him to do hands-on work.

Christopher Painter, deputy chief of the Justice Department's computer crime section and the former assistant U.S. attorney who prosecuted Mitnick, said that once Mitnick's probation is over, he would not be subject to special surveillance.

Mitnick led the FBI on a three-year manhunt that ended in 1995, when agents arrested him in Raleigh, N.C.

Mitnick also can soon return to another device he missed: the ham radio.

He applied to renew his ham radio license in 1999 while in prison. The Federal Communications Commission ordered a hearing, noting that Mitnick was once "the most wanted computer criminal in U.S. history."

FCC Administrative Law Judge Richard Sippel granted the license in a ruling made public Monday.

"He started hacking as an inquisitive teenager and wound up a disgraced felon," Sippel wrote. "There is reliable evidence that Mr. Mitnick has focused on becoming an honest, productive citizen."

Mitnick, who began using ham radios when he was 13, said it cost him more than $16,000 in legal expenses to renew his license. Typical renewals are free.

"It's the most expensive amateur radio license in the world," Mitnick said.