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Famous hacker heads to SA

Kevin Mitnick, the world`s most famous former hacker, will deliver keynotes at ITWeb`s Security Summit in March 2006.
Martin Czernowalow
By Martin Czernowalow, Contributor.
Johannesburg, 21 Nov 2005

Former hacker Kevin Mitnick will be in SA next year to deliver keynote addresses at the ITWeb Security Summit 2006, which will be held in March.

Widely recognised as the world`s most famous hacker, Mitnick was first arrested at the age of 17, in 1981, and has since spent almost half his adult life either in prison or as a fugitive. Since his plea-bargain release in 2000, he has focused on helping corporations and government agencies protect systems from hacker attacks.

Mitnick is expected to offer an insider`s view of low-tech threats to hi-tech security, with advice for preventing "social engineering" hacks, at the two-day ITWeb Security Summit 2006.

During his first keynote session, Mitnick will focus on the human element of information security and what businesses can do to develop a creative and engaging security programme that heightens awareness, motivates employees to change their attitudes, influences them to think defensively, and encourages the adoption of good security habits.

In the second keynote, which will be a world premiere, Mitnick will explore the risks involved in the deployment of wireless technologies. He will demonstrate the tools and techniques that hackers use to compromise the security of enterprises and how to mitigate risks that a wireless network poses.

Mitnick has more than 15 years of experience in exploring computer security, and is a largely self-taught expert in exposing the vulnerabilities of complex operating systems and telecommunications devices.

He has written two books - "The Art of Deception" and "The Art of Intrusion" - and has been the subject of numerous news and magazine articles published throughout the world. He is also a co-founder of Defensive Thinking, an information security consulting company that helps corporations and governments protect vital information.

ITWeb Security Summit 2006 will feature more than 20 sessions led by international and local industry experts, analysts and CIOs, and delegates will be exposed to a range of information security topics, issues and opportunities.

Through a combination of keynotes, tracks, panel discussions and workshops, the agenda will address new technologies and emerging security threats, as well as the policy, planning and compliance issues, backed by local case studies of best practice security strategies and solutions.

The event is endorsed by the Information Security Group of Southern Africa and will be held on 8 and 9 March, at the Forum, Dimension Data Campus, Bryanston.

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