Insights from a Veteran Security Researcher: An Exclusive AMA

Welcome to another installment of our AMA series! Today, we are thrilled to host Larry Cashdollar, an esteemed security researcher from Akamai who has identified over 300 software vulnerabilities throughout his illustrious career. For those interested in cybersecurity and threat mitigation, this is a unique opportunity to glean insights from a true expert.

Meet Larry Cashdollar

Larry Cashdollar, better known as /u/_larry0, has been a dedicated researcher since 1998. He’s currently a member of the Security Intelligence Response Team (SIRT) at Akamai, where he collaborates with a specialized group of cyber threat researchers and incident responders. This talented team is committed to monitoring worldwide malicious activity and analyzing attacks using advanced techniques.

Larry’s impressive body of work has garnered attention from various reputable outlets, including ZDNet, The Register, Bleeping Computer, and Dark Reading.

At Akamai, the SIRT’s mission is to build a comprehensive understanding of current security threats, vulnerabilities, and the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) employed by attackers. This information is vital for not only Akamai’s clientele but also the broader security community, as they identify and analyze attack sources and their attributes, working to mitigate future risks.

Larry finds immense fulfillment in his role, focusing not only on discovering vulnerabilities but also assisting other researchers in responsibly disclosing their findings and obtaining Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) numbers. His efforts contribute to enhancing the safety of the entire internet ecosystem. As Larry notes, “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

For a deeper dive into Larry’s groundbreaking work and research, visit the [Akamai blog](https://blogs.akamai.com/sitr/author/larry-cashdollar/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=social_corpor