Insights from a Cybersecurity Veteran: An AMA with Nick Percoco

Welcome to our blog! Today, we are thrilled to introduce Nick Percoco, an esteemed figure in the field of cybersecurity. With over 25 years of experience, Nick currently serves as the Chief Security Officer at Kraken, one of the leading digital asset exchanges globally. He is also the mastermind behind SpiderLabs at Trustwave and the founder of THOTCON, a prominent hacker conference based in Chicago.

Nick’s extensive career includes roles such as Chief Security Officer at Uptake, an innovative industrial AI company, and Vice President of Global Services at Rapid7, a well-established cybersecurity firm. Throughout his career, he has shared invaluable insights on security strategies, breaches, malware, and the latest trends in information security at renowned events, including Black Hat, DEF CON, and OWASP.

With a passion for technology ignited at a young age, Nick began coding at just seven years old using a Timex Sinclair 1000 computer. His journey continued through the vibrant online communities of the late ’80s and ’90s, where he engaged in BBS activities and honed his skills using various machines, including a Commodore 64 and an Intel 386 running Linux.

As a long-time contributor to the Chicago hacker scene and the organizer of THOTCON—now in its 12th year—Nick has also played a crucial role in investigating some of the most significant data breaches in recent history. Over the last four years at Kraken, he has been pivotal in developing comprehensive security programs to shield the cryptocurrency exchange from potential threats.

In this post, Nick invites you to delve into his wealth of experience. Whether you’re curious about cryptocurrency security, active investigations, or general cybersecurity practices, this is your opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business!

Feel free to leave your questions in the comments below, and Nick will do his best to provide insights throughout the day. Let’s get this conversation started!