Kevin Mitnick, the hacker who led the FBI on a three-year manhunt whilst wreaking tech-based havoc, has finally received federal permission to pursue computer work again…Known for cracking a string of computers at cell phone companies, universities and ISPs, Mitnick pleaded guilty in March, 1999 to seven felonies. He was released from prison on January 21st, 2000 after nearly five years in custody, and began to make a living by speaking about his experiences. As we reported in an early piece of Ninfo’, Mitnick was then yanked off the lecture circuit and ordered by the U.S. Probation Office to halt his professional writing efforts under restrictions to be enforced by his probation officer. These barred him not only from any contact with computers, cellular phones or any other technology capable of online access, but also from speaking publicly or writing about technology-related issues and from taking any job that might give him access to a computer. Now Mitnick is able to trade on his expertise again, in a one hundred and eighty degree turnaround which happened after the hacker challenged the limitations placed on him. After a federal judge ruled that such blanket decisions were unacceptable without consideration of the specific offers, Mitnick’s probation officer has informed him this week that he may take up computer-related work once again.  So we could soon see Kevin Mitnick writing for online magazines (watch Slashdot and 2600), speaking and consulting on computer security, or hosting a net-related TV show. As long as he doesn’t move around too much, that is: he still remains barred from leaving Southern California.Mitnick’s attorney Sherman Ellison commented it would be beneficial to the community, not just Kevin, to have his big ‘ol brain back in technology again.