Chasing Entropy Podcast by 1Password Chasing Entropy Podcast Episode 014: Hats Off to the Hacker Ethos with Emil Tan
In this episode of the Chasing Entropy Podcast, I am joined by Singapore-based cybersecurity leader Emil Tan, a man who wears many hats and wears them well. From government defense to grassroots community building, Emil’s journey is a masterclass in adaptability, curiosity, and community spirit in cybersecurity.
Who Is Emil Tan?
Emil is a cybersecurity polymath: a national defense contributor at Booz Allen, founder of the Singapore-based community Division Zero (Div0), co-founder of the hacker conference SINCON, advisor to the startup RedAlpha, and active participant in the non-profit CREST. His career arc spans R&D, operations, policy, and education—with a consistent theme of learning by doing.
A Non-Linear Path to Impact
Emil shares his unlikely journey into cybersecurity, which began not with elite academic scores but with a love for math and curiosity about the digital world. After being part of Singapore’s first cohort in a cybersecurity diploma program, Emil embraced early challenges in capture-the-flag (CTF) competitions and informal meetups at McDonald's that eventually gave rise to Div0.
From Operations to Policy and Back Again
What sets Emil apart is his transition from cyber operations to policymaking. Frustrated by policies that didn’t reflect frontline realities, he stepped into the policy arena to bridge the gap. He speaks candidly about the complexity of policymaking and the importance of being a "technical policymaker" who can translate between operations and lawmaking.
The Power of Automation and AI (Without the Hype)
Emil and Dave dig into the evolution of automation in security—from scripting away mundane tasks to the role of AI today. Emil’s philosophy? Automate the boring stuff so you can focus on meaningful work. He challenges the fear-driven narrative around AI, noting that rather than replacing jobs, it redefines them.
Advice for Aspiring Security Pros
Whether you’re new to the field or feeling stuck, Emil offers grounded, honest advice:
- Fall in love with your career, not just your job
- Start anywhere, fail often, and learn deeply
- Talk to people—war stories beat certificates
- Seek community: Div0, SINCON, and beyond
Get Connected
Want to connect with Emil?
- Attend Div0 meetups (twice a month in Singapore)
- Catch him at the next SINCON conference
Listen now on all major platforms and don't forget to like, subscribe, and share. Thanks for joining me as we continue the Chasing Entropy Podcast, where chaos meets clarity, and security finds its human side.