Meet Nick Percoco: A Cybersecurity Authority Ready to Share His Insights

Hello, everyone! I’m thrilled to introduce myself as Nick Percoco, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) at Kraken, a leading global digital asset exchange. With over 25 years immersed in the realms of security and technology, I’m passionate about safeguarding digital environments and sharing knowledge.

My journey began at an early age when I discovered programming on a Timex Sinclair 1000 at just seven years old. As a child of the 80s and 90s, I actively participated in the Chicagoland bulletin board systems (BBS) scene with my trusty Commodore 64 and later, an Intel 386 PC running Linux. This early exposure ignited a lifelong fascination with technology and computer security.

Before my current role at Kraken, I have held various significant positions including CSO of Uptake, an industrial AI firm, and Vice President of Global Services at Rapid7, a comprehensive cybersecurity solutions provider. At each of these organizations, I combined my technical acumen with strategic security management to address emerging threats and protect digital assets.

Throughout my career, I have shared my insights on vital cybersecurity topics, such as security breaches, malware, and information security trends, at prestigious conferences like Black Hat, DEF CON, and OWASP. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with notable agencies, including DHS, US-CERT, Interpol, and the United States Secret Service, providing expertise on pressing security matters.

In addition to my professional endeavors, I am deeply connected to the Chicago hacker community. I founded THOTCON, a hacker conference now entering its 12th edition in 2023. This platform has allowed me to engage with fellow enthusiasts and advocate for knowledge sharing in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Over the past four years at Kraken, I have spearheaded initiatives to enhance our defenses against cyber threats and protect our users’ assets. I am here today to offer my insights on cryptocurrency hacks, cybersecurity breaches, and best practices for maintaining security in our increasingly digital world.

I welcome your questions and am excited to engage in meaningful discussions on these critical topics. Please don’t hesitate to reach out!

P.S. Thank you for the amazing questions! I look forward to checking back in and answering more throughout the day.