The World’s Most Famous Hackers – What Happened to Them Now?

The world of hacking has produced some very famous figures, both because of their impressive technical skills and the huge impact of their actions. Some of them became inspirations for the tech community, while others ended up behind bars. What really happened to them now? Here are the stories of some of the world’s most famous hackers and how they are faring today.

1. Kevin Mitnick

Kevin Mitnick is one of the most legendary hackers ever. In the 90s, he was known as “the most wanted hacker in the United States.” Mitnick managed to hack major computer systems such as IBM, Nokia, and even the Pentagon. After being caught and serving a 5-year prison sentence, Mitnick changed course. Now, he is a cybersecurity consultant and author of several well-known books on digital security. Mitnick now leads the consulting firm Mitnick Security and is recognized as an expert in protecting systems from hacker attacks.

2. Adrian Lamo

Adrian Lamo, nicknamed "The Homeless Hacker" because he often carried out his actions from internet cafes and public libraries, became famous after hacking several famous websites such as Yahoo!, Microsoft, and The New York Times. Lamo gained global attention when he reported Chelsea Manning to the authorities for leaking classified US government documents to WikiLeaks. Lamo died in 2018, but his name remains one of the most controversial in the hacking world.

3. Gary McKinnon

Gary McKinnon was a British hacker who hacked nearly 100 computers belonging to NASA and the US Department of Defense in 2002. He claimed that he was only looking for information about UFOs, but his actions are considered one of the largest security breaches in US military history. After a long legal battle to avoid extradition to the United States, McKinnon was finally cleared of extradition charges in 2012 and is now living quietly in the UK, albeit under close surveillance.

4. Albert Gonzalez

Albert Gonzalez is the mastermind behind one of the largest credit card thefts in history. Gonzalez managed to steal over 170 million credit card numbers from several major companies including TJX Companies and Heartland Payment Systems. He was eventually caught and sentenced to 20 years in prison in the US, which is one of the harshest sentences ever handed down for a cyber crime.

5. Anonymous

Anonymous is not one person, but a group of hackers who are known for their hacking campaigns against major companies, governments, and even religious organizations. Several members of Anonymous have been arrested in various countries, but the group remains active and continues to launch cyber attacks as a form of protest against global issues such as free speech, corruption, and human rights violations.

How Have Their Changes Affected the Tech World?

Most of these famous hackers have turned their lives around and now work in cybersecurity, helping companies and governments protect themselves from the attacks they once carried out. With their expertise, they are at the forefront of fighting cyber threats in the modern era.

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