Vladimir Levin: The Mystique of the First Online Bank Robber

Vladimir Levin, often hailed as the first online bank robber, gained notoriety for his hack of Citibank's network in the 1990s. However, the true story of Levin's hack has been distorted and sensationalized in the media. Contrary to the popular narrative, Levin was not a brilliant hacker with expertise in mathematics and biotechnology. In reality, he was part of a group of hackers that exploited vulnerabilities in Citibank's systems, accessed their IT network, and stole valuable information. The hack was not driven by a desire for financial gain, as the hackers deliberately avoided stealing money due to the logistical challenges. Instead, they used the network for entertainment purposes, enjoying free modem calls and exploring different networks. This episode delves into the details of the hack, shedding light on the low-tech methods employed by the hackers and the lack of security measures in place at Citibank.