Kris Sky

Kris Kaspersky, born Nikolay Likhachev in 1976, was a Russian hacker, IT security researcher, and prolific writer. His early life was marked by a childhood brain stroke that led to minor autism, but also fueled an early interest in electronics, building his first radio at age seven and developing his first computer game on a Pravetz 8D. He demonstrated a strong aptitude for programming, mastering assembly language and progressing through various computer systems. Despite excelling academically, including graduating high school with a silver medal, his university experiences were brief. Kaspersky's writing career began in school, with his first article appearing in "Astrologer" magazine. He gained significant recognition in the late 1990s for his books on hacking techniques and computer security, published by "Solon-Press." His work extended to various technology and astronomy magazines, and he was known for his deep technical understanding and enthusiastic approach to complex subjects. He also explored astronomy, contributing articles on telescopes and celestial observation. Kaspersky passed away in 2017 following a skydiving accident.

Born Nikolay Likhachev in 1976, Kris Kaspersky experienced a significant health event in infancy that resulted in brain damage and minor autism. This early challenge did not impede his intellectual development; instead, it seemed to foster a profound interest in technology. By the age of seven, he had constructed a working radio. His first computer, a Bulgarian Pravetz 8D, was acquired during elementary school, and it was on this machine that he developed his initial computer game. He continued to hone his technical skills with subsequent computers like the Electronika BK-0010, where he mastered assembly language. His academic record was strong, culminating in a silver medal upon high school graduation. He briefly attended Taganrog University of Radio Engineering, specializing in "Design of microcontrollers," but left due to dissatisfaction with the programming opportunities, returning to his hometown.

Kaspersky's prolific writing career began during his school years with an article on astronomy. His active participation in FidoNet RU.HACKER conferences led to a meeting with "Solon-Press," which published his first book, "Technique and philosophy of hacker attacks," in 1999. Over the years, he authored or co-authored at least 16 books, focusing on data protection, program optimization, computer viruses, and disassembling. His interest extended beyond computing to astronomy, with a "Weatherlore Encyclopedia" and articles on telescopes and sky observation also attributed to him. He contributed to numerous magazines, including "System administrator," "Byte," "Astrologer," and "Hacker," often engaging with complex technical topics under tight deadlines. He also explored writing originally in English and launched an English blog to broaden his audience.

Kaspersky's expertise in IT security led him to remote work with Endeavor Security starting in 2008, a company later acquired by McAfee. Colleagues noted his deep understanding of security principles and his innovative thinking. His reputation as a skilled hacker, in the original sense of deeply understanding systems, was recognized internationally. From 2008 onwards, he resided and worked in the United States, serving as a security expert for companies like Check Point. He presented his research on vulnerabilities in Intel processors at the Hack in the Box conference in Kuala Lumpur in 2008. His professional life was marked by a dedication to uncovering and explaining complex technical details.

Tragically, Kris Kaspersky's life was cut short on February 18, 2017, following a severe injury sustained during a skydiving landing on February 10, 2017. He had completed approximately 200 skydives prior to the accident. His death at the age of 40 concluded a life dedicated to the exploration and exposition of computer technology and security. His extensive bibliography, comprising books and numerous magazine articles, continues to serve as a resource for those interested in the technical and philosophical aspects of hacking and data protection. His contributions to the field of IT security and his unique perspective on technology remain his lasting legacy.

“I don't know why, but as soon as the lab talks about me, they immediately get in a bad mood. Now they're spreading rumors that I worked for them for three weeks, they took me in for a laugh, and then threw me out. Now Kaspersky and I are on parallel planes, I do not interfere with his business, and he does not interfere with mine. I even removed the "Y" from my pseudonym on purpose, so that we wouldn't be confused. But he still does not like me.”

“First time he came accompanied by his father – afterwards we began to publish his electrical engineering handbooks too. Kris was a good writer and conversation partner, and what is most important, had no quirks and excessive self-importance. His head worked incredibly well – he literally programmed in mind.”

“Neither me nor anybody else from editorial staff have seen him in person. We communicate by mail and telephone. He is a maniacally enthusiastic person, one can always address him with a request: "We need to reverse engineer WM Keeper, to understand what it's spying upon a PC, and write a 25 kilobytes article about it until tomorrow morning."”

“Kris knows the answer to the main question concerning security – he knows the way it works, – says CEO of the company Christopher Jordan. – Besides, he can instantly give rise to a new idea.”

“His fame outside Russia is not exaggerated – says another Endeavor employee Alice Chang – he's a very well-known hacker, in the original sense of the word: a man who understands the very basics of how it works.”