[alex_c]

I'm sure it is, but it doesn't seem like a bright business decision. He claims he spends up to $20K a year - sure, maybe this still isn't worth it to AT&T. But more importantly, you'd think they would see this as an opportunity to make their system more robust for all their clients, save money that way (more than $20K/year? likely), AND turn it into a good PR piece.

[ErrantX]

Hi, we're AT&T. The company that is SO secure we can even protect legendary hacker Kevin Mitnick!!

Cue mass attempts to break into AT&T from every angle (which is sure to end badly) :)