Early Hacker Origins and the Beige Box

While the N2K team is observing Indigenous Peoples' Day, we thought you'd enjoy this episode of the Threat Vector podcast from our N2K Cyberwire network partner, Palo Alto Networks.

New episodes of Threat Vector release each Thursday. We hope you will explore their catalog and subscribe to the show.

Join David Moulton, Senior Director of Thought Leadership for Unit 42, as he sits down with Kyle Wilhoit,Technical Director of Threat Research at Unit 42, for an intimate conversation about the evolution of hacker culture and cybersecurity. From picking up 2600: The Hacker Quarterly magazines at Barnes & Noble and building beige boxes to leading threat research at Palo Alto Networks, Kyle shares his personal journey into the security community. This conversation explores how AI and automation are lowering barriers for attackers, the professionalization of cybersecurity, and what's been lost and gained in the industry's maturation. Kyle offers practical advice for newcomers who don't fit the traditional mold, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, soft skills, and intellectual humility. 

Kyle Wilhoit is a seasoned cybersecurity researcher, with more than 15 years of experience studying cybercrime and nation-state threats. He's a frequent speaker at global conferences like Black Hat, FIRST, and SecTor, and has authored two industry-respected books: Hacking Exposed Industrial Control Systems and Operationalizing Threat Intelligence.

As a long-standing member of the Black Hat US Review Board and an adjunct instructor, Kyle is deeply involved in shaping both cutting-edge research and the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

• Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

Previous appearances on Threat Vector: 

• Inside DeepSeek’s Security Flaws (Mar 31, 2025) https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources/podcasts/threat-vector-inside-deepseeks-security-flaws
• War Room Best Practices (Nov 07, 2024)
  https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources/podcasts/threat-vector-war-room-best-practices 
• Cybersecurity in the AI Era: Insights from Unit 42's Kyle Wilhoit, Director of Threat Research (Jan 11, 2024)
  https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources/podcasts/threat-vector-cybersecurity-in-the-ai-era-insights-from-unit-42s-kyle-wilhoit-director-of-threat-research 

Learn more about Unit 42's threat research at https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/. 

Related episodes: For more conversations about AI's impact on cybersecurity, career development in security, and insights from Unit 42 researchers, explore past episodes at https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/podcasts/threat-vector.

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About Threat Vector

Threat Vector, Palo Alto Networks podcast, is your premier destination for security thought leadership. Join us as we explore pressing cybersecurity threats, robust protection strategies, and the latest industry trends.

The podcast features in-depth discussions with industry leaders, Palo Alto Networks experts, and customers, providing crucial insights for security decision-makers.

Whether you're looking to stay ahead of the curve with innovative solutions or understand the evolving cybersecurity landscape, Threat Vector equips you with the knowledge needed to safeguard your organization.

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