Version 129: Meet Nick Percoco, Kraken’s Chief Security Officer, founder of Trustwave’s SpiderLabs, and organizer of Chicago’s THOTCON hacker event—your go-to expert for cryptocurrency security breaches, hacking insights, and cybersecurity investigative advice.

Insights from a Cybersecurity Expert: An AMA with Nick Percoco

Hello, readers! Today, we are thrilled to present an exclusive opportunity to dive into the world of cybersecurity with Nick Percoco, a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in technology and security. Currently serving as the Chief Security Officer at Kraken, a leading global digital asset exchange, Nick also has an impressive background, having previously been the Chief Security Officer at Uptake and Vice President of Global Services at Rapid7.

Throughout his career, Nick has gained invaluable knowledge regarding security breaches, malware, mobile security, and information security trends. He has shared his expertise at prominent conferences such as Black Hat, DEF CON, and OWASP, as well as with organizations like the Department of Homeland Security, US-CERT, Interpol, and the United States Secret Service.

Nick’s journey into technology began at a young age when he learned to code at just seven years old on the Timex Sinclair 1000. His enthusiasm for technology grew as he engaged with the Chicagoland BBS community on a Commodore 64, transitioning to an Intel 386 PC that ran Linux in the late 80s and early 90s. A dedicated member of the Chicago hacker scene for many years, he founded THOTCON, a hacker conference that will celebrate its 12th iteration in 2023.

In recent years, Nick has been focused on developing robust security programs at Kraken to defend against attacks in the ever-evolving landscape of cryptocurrency.

Today, he invited the Reddit community to ask him anything about his wealth of experience, industry insights, and the current state of cybersecurity.

As Nick reflects on the engaging questions he received, he appreciates the community’s interest and looks forward to further interaction throughout the day.

Whether you’re curious about the challenges faced by cryptocurrency exchanges, the intricacies of cyber investigations, or tips on bolstering your own security measures, this is a unique chance to learn from a true expert at the forefront of the cybersecurity field.

Stay tuned for more insights and continue the conversation as we navigate the fascinating world of digital security!

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One Comment

  1. Thank you for sharing this insightful post featuring Nick Percoco. As a technical support engineer, I would recommend ensuring that your website or content management system—especially if using WordPress—is optimized for security, given the high-profile cybersecurity topics discussed. Here are a few tips:

    • Keep WordPress, themes, and plugins up to date: Regular updates patch security vulnerabilities and help protect against exploits.
    • Implement security plugins: Consider plugins like Wordfence, Sucuri Security, or iThemes Security to monitor and defend against malware and unauthorized access.
    • Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication: For all user accounts, especially administrator roles, to prevent unauthorized access.
    • Regular backups: Schedule automatic backups and store them securely off-site. This helps recover quickly in case of a breach.
    • SSL Certificates: Ensure your website runs over HTTPS to encrypt data exchanged between users and your server.
    • Limit login attempts and monitor logs: Reduce brute-force attack risks and keep an eye on suspicious activities.
    • Security best practices: Educate your team about phishing attacks, malware, and other common cybersecurity threats, especially since your content discusses advanced security insights.

    If you need specific guidance on securing your WordPress site

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