Mitnick stressed that friends are handling all details of the auction because he is prevented, under the terms of his supervised release, from getting online until January 2004. Ebay user "Metism", a 28-year-old Chicago resident, said in an email to CNET News.com that he bid for the computer because it represented the "triumph of technological innovation over corporate interests". While he doesn't support criminal activity, "Metism" believes that Mitnick was unjustly targeted by authorities. "From the naturally limited and incomplete information I have about his case, his constitutional rights were violated," he said. Many others have expressed similar doubts about the FBI's case against Mitnick, spawning an active "Free Kevin" movement that attempted to get the charges against the hacker dropped. Released from prison in January 2000 after serving nearly five years on seven felony charges of computer intrusion, Mitnick now hosts a radio show, has co-authored a book on social engineering and has created a company, Defensive Thinking, aimed at educating companies about security. Mitnick caused a stir two years ago when he started auctioning off other personal items, including a cell phone and his prison ID card. He also found himself back in court to fight for his right to speak and write about technology. The latest move to make money won't win him any friends at the Department of Justice, he said, but he's not breaking any of the terms of his supervised release. "They won't be happy," he said. "But my case is, what, seven years old? Hopefully, they have moved on to more pressing things." Mitnick's book The Art of Deception, co-authored with William Simon, will go on sale on Friday.
For all security-related news, including updates on the latest viruses, hacking exploits and patches, check out ZDNet UK's Security News Section.
Have your say instantly, and see what others have said. Go to the Security forum.
Let the editors know what you think in the Mailroom.
