So you bought a book that's sold as "The world's most infamous hacker offers an insider's view of the low-tech threats to high-tech security"[0] and expected it to be about serious computer-based intrusion?

[0] http://www.amazon.com/The-Art-Deception-Controlling-Security...

Creepy. Well, this book by Kevin Mitnick is still very relevant I guess: http://www.amazon.com/The-Art-Deception-Controlling-Security...

The book is also really good (didn't actually watch the movie)

http://www.amazon.com/Catch-Me-If-You-Can/dp/0767905385

I also enjoyed Kevin Mitnick's book The Art of Deception, also on "Social Engineering"/con artists.

http://www.amazon.com/Art-Deception-Controlling-Element-Secu...

I'm surprised "The Art of Deception: Controlling the Human Element of Security" by Kevin D. Mitnick didn't make the list. (http://www.amazon.com/Art-Deception-Controlling-Element-Secu...)

"... Apparently these recruiters just call random numbers and hope to be directed to some hiring manager. ..."

Poor phone screening technique.

All calls should be routed through one person where they can shield internal people from "unknown" callers. This simple hack works surprisingly well in large companies and is a 101 social engineering technique. Kevin Mitnick now makes a living writing books on this subject ~ http://www.amazon.com/Art-Deception-Controlling-Element-Secu...