‘Hacker’ Pleads Guilty in Computer Security Case

A computer whiz who was considered so dangerous that he was imprisoned before his trial pleaded guilty Tuesday to stealing a security program and illegal possession of long-distance telephone codes.

Kevin D. Mitnick, 25, admitted using a telephone and computer to steal a copy of a program designed to protect the security of Digital Equipment Corp.’s computer system.

Attorneys said he cost the Massachusetts company $160,000 in lost computer time and labor expended to identify the trouble.

Mitnick also admitted possessing 16 unauthorized long-distance codes that belong to MCI Telecommunications Corp.

“He’s ready to accept his responsibility,” defense attorney Alan Rubin said after the hearing. “It’s an effort to show he wants to change and become a productive citizen.”

At Digital’s request, Rubin said, Mitnick will help the firm identify and fix holes in its security software to protect itself from other hackers.

Mitnick, who has a history of computer mischief, agreed in March to plead guilty to those charges and serve one year in prison. But U.S. District Judge Mariana Pfaelzer rejected the bargain, saying the prison term was too light.

The revised agreement contains no agreed-upon prison sentence. The two charges carry a maximum of 15 years and a $500,000 fine.

The bargain also provides that Mitnick will cooperate in the government’s probe of Leonard DiCicco, a fellow hacker who alerted investigators to Mitnick’s mischief. Mitnick’s cooperation can be considered by Pfaelzer at his sentencing.

The government also agreed to lift telephone restrictions placed on Mitnick since he was jailed in December. Prosecutors considered him such a danger that they had guards monitor his calls to make sure he did not gain access to computers.

Rubin contended from the start that the allegations against Mitnick--including his purported penetration of a national security computer--were overblown.

A status conference to discuss when sentencing should be held was scheduled for June 26.