Meet Nick Percoco: A Veteran in Cybersecurity and Cryptocurrency Protection

Welcome to the blog, where we delve into the world of cybersecurity and cryptocurrency! Today, we’re excited to introduce Nick Percoco, a highly experienced Chief Security Officer (CSO) at Kraken and the dynamic founder of SpiderLabs at Trustwave, as well as a key organizer behind THOTCON, a renowned hacker conference held in Chicago. Nick invites you to explore the complexities of cryptocurrency hacks, security best practices, and the intricate field of cybersecurity investigations.

Who is Nick Percoco?

With over 25 years of experience in security and technology, Nick Percoco has established himself as a leading figure in the cybersecurity realm. Currently, as CSO at Kraken, a prominent global digital asset exchange, he is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Security, IT, and Engineering within the organization. His previous roles include serving as CSO at Uptake, a pioneering industrial AI firm, and as Vice President of Global Services at Rapid7, a comprehensive cybersecurity solutions provider.

Nick’s insights on security breaches, malware, and mobile security have reached audiences at prestigious events such as Black Hat, DEF CON, and OWASP, as well as to significant organizations including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), US-CERT, Interpol, and the United States Secret Service.

From Coding to Cybersecurity

Nick’s fascination with technology began at an early age; he wrote his first lines of code at just seven years old on a Timex Sinclair 1000. His early adventures in the Chicagoland bulletin board systems (BBSs) using a Commodore 64 and an Intel 386 PC running Linux set the foundation for his lengthy and impactful career in tech.

Over the decades, Nick has been deeply embedded in the Chicago hacker scene, where he has grown THOTCON into a significant event in the hacking community, with its 12th conference scheduled for 2023. His extensive experience includes investigating some of the largest data breaches in history. In his current role at Kraken, he works tirelessly to build robust protective measures against cyber threats targeting the cryptocurrency exchange sector.

Join the Conversation!

Nick is enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge and insights within the cybersecurity and cryptocurrency fields. Whether you have questions about his journeys, the latest trends in information security, or the best practices for safeguarding against digital threats, he welcomes you to reach out and engage.

Your inquiries are important, and Nick looks forward to contributing to your understanding