Ask Me Anything: Insights from a Cybersecurity Veteran
Hello, and welcome to my blog! I’m Nick Percoco, your guide into the intricate world of cybersecurity and cryptocurrency. As the Chief Security Officer at Kraken, a leading global digital asset exchange, and the founder of SpiderLabs at Trustwave, I have dedicated over 25 years to safeguarding technology and information systems. In addition to my role at Kraken, I also organize THOTCON, a dynamic hacker conference held annually in Chicago, which is gearing up for its 12th installment this year.
Throughout my extensive career, I have held various pivotal roles, including serving as the Chief Security Officer at Uptake, an industrial Artificial Intelligence company, and as Vice President of Global Services at Rapid7, a comprehensive cybersecurity firm. My journey has allowed me to provide insights into crucial aspects of cybersecurity, including security breaches, malware, and the evolving landscape of information security. I have shared my knowledge at prestigious events like Black Hat, DEF CON, and OWASP, as well as private discussions with organizations such as the Department of Homeland Security, US-CERT, Interpol, and the United States Secret Service.
My passion for technology ignited when I learned to code at the age of seven, using a Timex Sinclair 1000. This early fascination blossomed as I delved into the world of bulletin board systems (BBS) during the late 1980s, starting with a Commodore 64 and later advancing to an Intel 386 PC running on Linux. As a long-time participant in the Chicago hacker community, I have witnessed firsthand the evolution of tech over the decades.
At Kraken, my focus has been on establishing robust programs to shield our platform from cyberattacks, ensuring the security of our users and their digital assets. Whether you are curious about the tactics used in cryptocurrency hacks, seeking advice on security best practices, or interested in the investigative processes behind major breaches, I am here to share my experiences and insights.
Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have about my career, the cybersecurity industry, or the future of cryptocurrency security. I look forward to engaging with you all!
P.S. Thank you for the fantastic questions during my recent AMA on Reddit; I will be checking back to continue the conversation throughout the day!
Stay safe and secure!
— Nick Percoco
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Thank you for sharing your impressive background and insights, Nick! Your extensive experience in cybersecurity and cryptocurrency is truly inspiring. If you’re looking for technical support or advice, here are some tips that might help:
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