Rating: 
Summary: Factual Presentation of The Story
Review: I became interested in Kevin Poulson and Kevin Mitnick after reading several articles about his exploits. After learning about this new book from Jonathan Littman, I emailed the author for sources of more information. He (of course) advised that I purchase his two books on The Kevins: 1) "The Fugitive Game: Online With Kevin Mitnick", and 2) "The Watchman: The Twisted Life and Crimes of Serial Hacker Kevin Poulsen". I ordered the two books, along with "Cyberpunk: Outlaws and Hackers on the Computer Frontier" by John Markoff and Katie Hafner.I read Jonathan Littman's two books first, and was very excited with the stories, and his factual presentation. His writing style is an excellent fit for the type of story he is telling. It was obvious that Littman researched the facts and presented them in an unbiased manner. I liked that he presented both the technical information and the human elements of the stories. I also liked that he exposed many myths and controversy regarding the players in the stories, like John Markoff's getting involved in the chase for Mitnick, crossing the ethical boundary between journalism and law enforcement. I then read "Cyberpunk" by Markoff and Hafner. Boy, what a difference! Where Littman was factual, Markoff was more into storytelling. I cannot say who's right (I wasn't THERE), but Markoff just didn't come across as complete and factual, especially in light of Littman's comments on his questionable involvement in Mitnick's capture. I did, however, love Markoff's telling of the rtm story (Robert Tappan Morris - the sendmail internet worm guy). I'd give this book 3 stars. I'd like to take a moment to comment on some other reviews that I think are unfair or inaccurate. Regarding "The Watchman": "Big Letdown" stated that there was too much technical information. I completely disagree. It's true that I personally enjoyed the technical details, but I also felt it was important insight into a hacker's curiosity response to forbidden systems. "Hmmm...Perhaps Jonathan should have done more research" stated that Littman didn't give Poulsen a chance, and made him out to be a monster. I wonder if we read the same book? I did not get the impression that Poulsen was a monster of any kind, just a kid addicted to the power and thrills of having absolute control over other people's forbidden systems. On the contrary, I think Littman did a professional, accurate, and entertaining presentation of the story and it's facts. Regarding "The Fugitive Game": "lots of clumsy writing here" stated that Littman tried to make Mitnick out to be a hero. Again, I have to wonder if we read the same book. Littman did no such thing. In fact, Littman "de-heroed" other characters that John Markoff pumped up in his telling of events. From reading the above-mentioned three books, Littman comes across as MUCH more factual. "Not Very good" stated that the story was boring, and to get other books like the Cuckoo's Egg, and maybe even At Large. The book was far from boring, but I'd have to agree that "The Watchman" was better (I give "The Fugitive Game" 4 stars, "The Watchman" 5 stars.) I guess I'll have to check out "Cuckoo's Egg" and "At Large" - at least the reviewer made alternative recommendations, which I thank him/her for. Finally, to help the reader of this review judge how relevant my opinion is, I'll tell you where I'm coming from. I consider myself to be very technical. I really got started with computers back in 1978, about the same time these guys were getting going. I went through many of the same "phases" these hackers went through. I did things to computers that weren't supposed to be done - and got caught a couple times (ahh, the old days...) So I think I'm qualified to judge a "real" story. All three books were nostalgic for me, but Littman's were the most accurate, I think. In my opinion, he described what it was REALLY like: the curiosity, the intensity, the excitement of discovery, the thrill of the hunt, and the addiction of absolute control.
Rating: 
Summary: lots of clumsy writing here
Review: Littman tries hard in this book to make Kevin Mitnick out to be a noble hero, but it doesn't quite work. I admire the effort, though, and feel like it is a much more honest take on the subject than John Markoff's Takedown - which is, in my opinion, a truly bad book. If you're a hacker, there's lots of good information in The Fugitive Game. For a fuller understanding of Kevin Mitnick's life, and the fascinating and twisted world he comes from, as well as a nicely balanced appraisal of his crimes, I'd recommend Jeff Goodell's The Cyberthief and the Samurai.
Rating: 
Summary: This is a book about lifestyle, not technology
Review: If you're interested in the technical side of Mitnick's computer vandalism, you won't find it here. You will, however, get a glimpse into his personality and lifestyle, as well as an idea into those of other famous computer criminals of the '90s.
It is well written, however, as Littman is a professional writer. Contrast this with "Takedown," in which you're given a lot of techical information, but the writing is a bit less refined, as Shimomura makes his living as a scientific computing expert.
Take it for what it is.
Rating: 
Summary: As unbiased an account as you'll ever find.
Review: I just finished reading this book and I must say that it was a real eye-opener. Over the past two weeks, I've read both Cyberpunk and Takedown. On their own, they seem to be pretty straightforward accounts of the tracking and capture of Mitnick. After finishing The Fugitive Game, I now realize how biased and self-serving both books really are. First of all, this is by far the most informative and interesting of the three works, and aside from the very insightful dialogue of fugitive Mitnick, Littman poses a number of intriguing questions glossed over by the mainstream "press" and which could never be addressed in the other two books: What was Shimomura's real relationship with Lottor, an ex-hacker and former roommate of Poulsen? Why were the two working together to disassemble cell phone software? What practical application could this possibly have, other than for illegal ESN cloning and eavesdropping? Was Shimomura being covertly employed by the NSA, Air Force, or some other government agency? Why is Shimomura considered a top-notch "security expert" when his computers were systematically violated over the course of many months? Why do Shimomura and the FBI insist that certain valuable applications were being stolen from Shimomura's computer, when at least some of these same programs are freely available on the internet? Why was Markoff permitted to write (uncorrected, in the NY Times) that just before he was caught, Mitnick had attempted to destroy an entire ISP, when in fact the damage was restricted to erasing only a small portion of one backup tape? Two people benefitted most from the hype surrounding the arrest and criminalization of Mitnick: Shimomura and Markoff. Much of Mitnicks' "crimes" were nothing more than unsubstantiated accusations. Yet the two detectives managed to parlay the bust into a $750k book advance, movie rights, fame, etc., at the expense of Markoff's journalistic integrity. This book is a must read for anyone looking for an honest account of events, free from self-serving rhetoric of Shimomura and Markoff, and the biases of the mainsteam media.
Rating:
Summary: Better than similar books, not great
Review: I wish this book had been focused on the media coverage of "hackers." The book does expose how tech companies, and the media, especially Markoff from the NY Times, exploited Mitnik and his story. It also shows the incompetance of the FBI and other agencies in dealing with Mitnik, trying to make him an example for others and nearly making him a martyr instead. This story has no heroes, and its painfully noticeable that even the author is milking the "hacker" phenomenon for what its worth. It is the pathetic world of a computer prankster, his malicious "friends" and a host of others determined to pad their resumes with Mitnik's misery. "The Watchman" was more informative and satisfying, however this is the most fair and balanced treatment of Mitnick's story I've read.
Rating:
Summary: First-rate thriller: the insider's insider scoop
Review: Everything I wanted to know about world-class hacking but was too much the "idiot" [to use hacker parlance] to pose the right and savvy questions. Bonus entertainment in cameo appearances by a John Markov - veritable Uriah Heep among reporters - who oozes slug-like across the page with every self-serving appearance. Littman is a clear-eyed researcher whose skill as a writer is matched by an uncanny ability to stay unfooled and unphased by others' shadowy agendas or hype.
Rating:
Summary: Hackers, Crackers, Phreakers, and Wannabes
Review: Hmmm... From one may be, have been or will be... The life of a hacker... Are all hackers on the run - No, however, they are probably running your network. You know the place - gets all of the A/C - all roads leads there (cables and all). The nerve center of your company... Careful there, if you are reading this then your "hacker" maybe reading your very words... Is you hacker good or bad??? Who knows... Do you? The fact is that many of the world's "Hackers" are simply people just like you and me and they have curiosity. The question is how do we feel about our privacy, proprietary data, and things in general like e-mail and internet messenging? The "Hacker" community typically is not as out to get you as you may think. But how about your "hacker"? Typically, they want what you want - better life and more freedom... in your network... Unfortunately, some "Hackers" are not like MOST "Hackers" but instead choose infamy through viruses, unauthorized exploration and sharing things that may reside on your network. Note: I did not say sharing your network... Sometimes the activities of a "hacker" may be using valuable resources that you are paying for... Read on... What you can do about it: 1. Train your I.T. people
2. Create Policies that are realistic, liveable, and enforceable
3. Train your users
4. Use Anti-Virus Software
5. Buy a firewall (no, not a device that does NAT - network address translation).
6. Create a disaster recovery document
7. Verify your backups
8. Get Audited (Whether you need it or not at least once per year
9. Find a guru to help you Got a hacker? - Call a hacker-tracker... ... or your local Guru or a trusted network auditor... Simple as that. Available anywhere, anytime, discrete and effective...
Rating:
Summary: Charismatically written, fast paced...
Review: I must say that this is one of the most addictive books I have read in ages, the subject (Mitnik) is portrayed realistically from both sides of the media fence (tabloid one side and realistically on the other) - there isnt a dull moment in the book and edge of the seat stuff as to what Mitnik will say next or little information he will drop Jonathan in their seemingly elongated phone calls. The way Littman is allowing us to be drawn into Mitniks charismatic personallity is in real time and you grow to like and feel sorry for the vendetta launched against Mitnik by the tabloid press and the FBI/gov. system. On the flip side Mitniks ability to retrieve information either by hacking or social engineering gives a insight to his more devious side and balances out the main character of this tale. Add to this the wild array of characters ranging from a Japanese spook, whome Mitnik has great respect to an ex-FBI informer who likes bondage and strippers. This book has everything and a lot more depth in its writing narrative from Littman. Overall a fantastic read which will keep you wishing the ending was a little different. Great Stuff!!!
Rating:
Summary: Great summer time read
Review: I found this book to be a great story dispite my having very little knowledge of the technology involved. It's interesting to get a feel of what compells these hackers to probe into forbidden territories. Some reviews have mentioned vilifying or playing up the cast of characters, but there is a careful balance of inspired genius and social dysfunction presented as two sides of the same coin. It does not often take great technical skill to be a hacker. Many of the passwords and other proprietary information are gleaned over over the phone by "Social Engineering" where an employee is duped into giving out private information. Mitnick is also more than just a hacker: as a fugitive he is working against those he feels are after him, and he uses his skills to brilliantly foil law enforcement operations seeking him out. Someday someone will combine these books into one great suspense movie.
Rating:
Summary: A good journalistic account
Review: This expose-style account of the misadventures of Kevin Mitnick is far more detailed and a much better read than the descriptions by Markoff and Hafner in *Cyberpunk*. It exposes egotism in its subjects with a kind of sincerity that makes no pretense at "objectivity" but which is convincing nonetheless. It also makes those of us who were secretly cheering for Mitnick all along feel justified, as he is depicted more sympathetically than the mainstream media have done in the past.
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