John Draper, also known as “Captain Crunch,” is a legendary figure in the history of phone phreaking, a term used to describe the exploration and manipulation of the telephone network, often for unauthorized purposes. Draper gained notoriety in the 1970s for his ability to manipulate the phone system using a toy whistle that came in boxes of Cap’n Crunch cereal, hence his nickname.
He was one of the earliest hackers and a key figure in the early hacking community. Draper’s exploits inspired many others to explore the inner workings of telephone systems and later, computer networks. However, he also faced legal troubles due to his activities, including several arrests and convictions related to phone phreaking.
Despite his legal issues, Draper remains a respected figure in the hacking and technology communities, admired for his technical skills and pioneering spirit in exploring the possibilities of communication systems.
I’m currently a retired USAF and officially a disabled vet, bound to a wheelchair.