Kevin Mitnick, considered by some as the first hacker of global infamy, has just released "Ghost in the Wires", a memoir that chronicles his journey from small-time trickster to the FBI's most wanted computer terrorist to professional security consultant.

By the end of his hacking spree in the 1990s, Mitnick allegedly caused millions of dollars in damage by stealing corporate secrets and hacking into government computers. After serving a five-year jail sentence, he capitalised on his notoriety and skill set by launching Mitnick Security Consulting. Today he is in high demand as an "ethical hacker" that breaks into companies' networks to look for holes in their computer security systems.

Unlike today's hacktivists and cyber vigilantes, such as Anonymous and LulzSec, Mitnick claims he never had any political or social motivation. He claims he never worked for financial gain but hacked only for the satisfaction of solving complex puzzles.

Today, global support for international hackers is shifting as some find their exploits misguided.

Anonymous, a loosely defined group famous for stunts like their disturbed denial-of-service (DDOS) attacks, is championed by some as a leader against dishonest corporations and governments. However, some question their publicised antics as they begin targeting companies that lack universal disapproval. A promised attack on Facebook in November has garnered significant criticism from former members of the group.

International governments are stepping up their efforts to shut down hacking groups that are seen as a threat to public security.

On today's episode of "The Stream", Kevin Mitnick joins us via Skype to share his perspective on the current world of hacking.

These are some of the social media elements featured in this episode of The Stream..