Ex-Hacker Mitnick Itching To Hit The Internet Probation Ending Soon Mitnick is helping firms stop "social engineering,' a tactic hackers employ.(A)

Byline: DONNA HOWELL

Kevin Mitnick is quick to refer to himself as a retired hacker. Emphasis on "retired." But soon the infamous 39-year-old could adopt a different moniker -- "online newbie."

Mitnick's probation for a raft of computer crimes ends this month. So for the first time in several years, the tech buff will be allowed to use computers freely. Not surprisingly, he's looking forward to getting online.

"I feel like I'm still in the Stone Age," Mitnick said. "It's like trying to get through the day without using a telephone or a watch. But on Jan. 21, I'll be without any restrictions."

Mitnick was stuck offline during the rise of the modern Internet. He was arrested in 1995 and then banished from nearly all computer use as part of his penalty for hacking.

In all, Mitnick did five years in federal prison. That was for crimes connected with breaking into systems at the University of Southern California, Motorola Inc., Novell Inc. and other tech firms. He got out two years ago and has been on a supervised release program since.

Mitnick had until lately been living a rather low-profile life in his longtime home of Thousand Oaks, Calif., near Los Angeles. Once in awhile he took on speaking or consulting gigs. Each first needed an OK from his probation officer.