The Watchman: The Twisted Life and Crimes of Serial Hacker Kevin Poulsen

by Jonathan Littman

Book Overview

This is a first-rate detective story--and all true. It's the story of a seemingly invincible electronic thief, con man, and stalker--and the people who tracked him down. Jonathan Littman brings his... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0316528579
• ISBN13: 9780316528573
• Release Date: March 1997
• Publisher: Little Brown and Company
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 1.27 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 9.3"
• Grade Range: Grade 8 and higher

Customer Reviews

An inside look at hacker culture

I had no idea who Kevin Poulson was when I picked up this book. All I knew was that I wanted to read a book which dealt with computer hackers and this book had been recommended to me by a friend of mine. Suffice to say I was not disappointed.Littman writes a compelling story about Kevin Poulson, who is perhaps the second best known hacker in North America best Kevin Mitnick. And what makes this book such an interesting read is that it is a modern day, and real life, version of the Fugitive. But unlike the Fugitive, Kevin is hunted to tapping in to phone systems and learning much more about the telephone networks than the average, non-telco employee, should be allowed to.The book is filled with first hand accounts and funny anecdotes of the escapades that Kevin and some of his company managed to pull off. After reading the book, I was left scratching my head in disbelief. It was almost as if the feats Kevin was able to accomplish were too good to be true. But in the end, that's what makes this book so great.

Cyber Offender 3

Another thriller by Littman and a better book than The Fugitive Game. I don't think there is anything ever will occur in this world than what has already narrated in this book. But the characters are no heroes like in Fugitive Game, simply sensual souls. The revelations of the carnal cyber pleasures of a carnal cyber offender by Littman have put himself in different class unknown hitherto.

True Story From A Great Writer

I became interested in Kevin Poulson 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

This book should only be read by people who really care.

This book, although very well written, should only be read the people that really care hackers or high computer technology. This book delves into a lot of weird stuff that even I, a UNIX systems guru, had time grasping a hold of. There were a lot of what seemed like made-up terms in this book. I would advise, however, to read this book if you are interested in computer technology, though some of it is not completely true, and a high paced, suspenseful book.

wow!

a classic thriller-for-suburbans! while bordering on science- fiction, it still manages somehow to stay a fair (or perhaps not so fair) amount of time inside the bounds of plausibility of national enquierer fans. etcetera. a must for unbelievable (for good reason) sensation seekers, and people who might not know better. who would have thought that mr. littman was also an extraordinary comedy writer! not me. after reading this book, i will never again believe rumours that our rising star of an author might be unstable in any way. in my my humble opinion, this book might be useful in many ways, however, i don't think it burns very well, therefore: don't try it at home.