155: Kingpin

375 snips

Mar 4, 2025

Joe Grand, a legendary hardware hacker and engineer, shares his fascinating journey from youthful rebellion through skateboarding and hacking to becoming a key player at L0pht Heavy Industries. He discusses innovations like the whimsical prototypes from the show Prototype This and the creative electronic badges at DEF CON, which transformed hacker culture. Joe also dives into the dark side of cryptocurrency scams and reflects on the importance of self-protection in a digital world, all while embracing the unpredictability of life as a hacker.

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ANECDOTE

Renegade Legion's Heist

At 14, Joe Grand and his hacker group, Renegade Legion, broke into a Michigan Bell telephone facility.
They stole equipment and manuals, but a nosy neighbor alerted the police, leading to arrests and a felony charge for some.

ANECDOTE

Joining L0pht

Joe Grand joined L0pht Heavy Industries, a hacker think tank, after toning down his rebelliousness.
L0pht was a safe space for hackers to explore technology and share knowledge.

ANECDOTE

L0pht and the Senate

L0pht testified before the Senate in 1998, claiming they could disrupt the internet.
They advocated for responsible disclosure of vulnerabilities, a practice they pioneered.

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In this episode, we delve into the multifaceted career of Joe Grand, also known as “Kingpin.” A renowned hardware hacker and computer engineer, Joe has been exploring and manipulating electronic systems since the 1980s. As a former member of the legendary hacker collective L0pht Heavy Industries, he has significantly contributed to the cybersecurity landscape. Joe is also the proprietor of Grand Idea Studio, a research and development firm, and has shared his expertise through various media, including his YouTube channel. Join us as we explore Joe’s unique perspective on hacking, engineering, and his extraordinary journey in the world of technology.

https://joegrand.com/

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