Meet Nick Percoco: Insights from a Leading Cybersecurity Expert

Welcome to the blog! Today, we have the pleasure of introducing you to Nick Percoco, a highly regarded figure in the world of cybersecurity. With a wealth of experience spanning over 25 years, Nick serves as the Chief Security Officer at Kraken, one of the premier global digital asset exchanges. His journey in technology began at a young age and has taken him through numerous pivotal roles in the security landscape.

A Journey Through Cybersecurity

Nick’s career is vast and varied, encompassing significant positions such as Chief Security Officer at Uptake, an industrial Artificial Intelligence firm, and Vice President of Global Services at Rapid7, a comprehensive cybersecurity company. His extensive expertise has allowed him to contribute to critical discussions on security breaches, malware, and emerging trends in information security at prestigious conferences like Black Hat, DEF CON, and OWASP. He has even shared his knowledge with high-profile entities including the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team, Interpol, and the United States Secret Service.

Early Beginnings and Passion for Technology

From his early days as a young coder at the age of seven, learning programming on the Timex Sinclair 1000 in the early 1980s, Nick has been deeply immersed in the tech world. He recalls spending countless hours on Chicago-based bulletin board systems (BBS) in the late ’80s and early ’90s, using a Commodore 64 and later an Intel 386 PC equipped with Linux. This foundational experience ignited his passion, steering him toward a vibrant career in cybersecurity.

A Dedication to the Hacker Community

Nick has been a prominent figure in the Chicago hacker scene for decades. He plays a pivotal role in organizing THOTCON, a hacker conference now gearing up for its 12th edition in 2023. Over the years, Nick has also spearheaded investigations into some of the most significant data breaches recorded in history. At Kraken, he has been instrumental in developing robust security programs to safeguard the cryptocurrency exchange from an array of cyber threats.

Open Invitation for Questions

Nick is eager to share his insights and experiences with you. Whether you’re curious about cryptocurrency security, the latest hacking trends, or general cybersecurity tips, feel free to reach out and ask your questions.

We hope you enjoy this exclusive look into the mind of a cybersecurity expert who has dedicated his career to protecting digital assets and enhancing security protocols.