Insights from the Frontlines of Cybersecurity: An AMA with Nick Percoco

Hello, cybersecurity enthusiasts!

I’m Nick Percoco, currently serving as the Chief Security Officer at Kraken, one of the leading global digital asset exchanges. With over 25 years in the realm of security and technology, my journey has been both fulfilling and dynamic. Additionally, I am the founder of SpiderLabs at Trustwave and the co-founder of THOTCON, a renowned hacker conference in Chicago.

My career has spanned various critical roles in cybersecurity. Before taking the helm at Kraken, I held the position of CSO at Uptake, a cutting-edge industrial AI company, and served as the Vice President of Global Services at Rapid7, a prominent cybersecurity firm. Throughout my career, I have shared my expertise on subjects such as security breaches, malware threats, mobile security, and current trends in information security. My speaking engagements have included renowned conferences like Black Hat, DEF CON, and OWASP, as well as presentations to esteemed organizations including the Department of Homeland Security, US-CERT, Interpol, and the United States Secret Service.

My passion for technology ignited at an early age; I was coding by the time I was seven, using a Timex Sinclair 1000 computer. Throughout the late 80s and early 90s, I immersed myself in the thriving Chicagoland bulletin board systems, employing various machines from the classic Commodore 64 to an Intel 386 PC running Linux.

For several decades, I’ve been closely involved in the vibrant Chicago hacker scene and have organized THOTCON, which will be celebrating its 12th event in 2023. Over these years, I’ve also been instrumental in investigating some of the largest data breaches recorded in history. In my current role at Kraken, I have been dedicated to developing robust programs aimed at safeguarding the cryptocurrency exchange against potential cyber threats.

I invite you to join me in a conversation! Whether you have questions about my experiences, industry insights, or specific topics within cybersecurity, feel free to ask. Let’s dive into this engaging discussion and explore the fascinating world of cryptocurrency security together!

Note: I had an amazing time answering questions during my recent Reddit AMA and look forward to continuing the conversation. I will be checking back throughout the day to engage with more inquiries. Thank you for your interest!