Famous hacker gets new gig

CLEARWATER — Internet security firm KnowBe4 has hired renowned computer hacker Kevin Mitnick, whose new career as a technology security expert comes after he served five years in prison for computer fraud.

Clearwater-based KnowBe4's computer security niche is in protecting clients against phishing scams, which use hyperlinks in emails to lure people into malicious websites. The firm named Mitnick its chief hacking officer, where he will use his “expertise to help organizations identify, correct, and prevent network security vulnerabilities,” according to a release. Mitnick pleaded guilty in 1999 to federal charges of wire and computer fraud in several well-publicized computer hacking cases, which led to his incarceration.

Over the last few years, however, Mitnick has made a career of protecting people and businesses against the crimes he used to commit. He co-authored two books on the subject, and has worked as a consultant and speaker on the issue. One of his main themes is a company's employees can cripple computer security, even if it's not intentional.