Meet Nick Percoco: Insights from a Cybersecurity Leader in Cryptocurrency

Hello, readers! I’m excited to introduce myself. My name is Nick Percoco, and I currently serve as the Chief Security Officer at Kraken, one of the world’s leading digital asset exchanges. With over 25 years of experience in the realms of security and technology, I am passionate about safeguarding systems and providing resources for secure digital transactions.

My journey into the tech world began when I was just a child, coding on a Timex Sinclair 1000 at the age of 7. This early introduction to computing led me to explore the vibrant hacker community in the Chicagoland area during the late ’80s and early ’90s, where I honed my skills on a Commodore 64 and later ventured into the world of Linux on an Intel 386 PC.

Throughout my career, I have held pivotal roles such as Chief Security Officer at Uptake, an industrial AI firm, and Vice President of Global Services at Rapid7, a comprehensive cybersecurity organization. My experiences have afforded me the opportunity to speak at premier conferences like Black Hat, DEF CON, and OWASP, as well as provide critical insights on security breaches and cyber threats to esteemed organizations, including the Department of Homeland Security, US-CERT, Interpol, and the United States Secret Service.

In addition to my professional endeavors, I have been an integral part of the Chicago hacker scene for decades. I also co-founded and organize THOTCON, an annual hacker conference that is gearing up for its 12th iteration in 2023. My time at Kraken has been dedicated to developing and implementing programs that bolster our defenses against potential cyberattacks while engaging with broader security challenges in the cryptocurrency space.

I invite you to join me in an open conversation. Whether you have questions about cryptocurrency security, insights on industry trends, or need tips to enhance your cybersecurity practices, I am here to share my knowledge and experiences.

Feel free to ask me anything! I look forward to engaging with you and addressing your inquiries.

Stay tuned, as I’ll be keeping an eye on this space throughout the day to respond to your questions!

— Nick Percoco