CyberWire Daily What Happened to Hacker Culture? [Threat Vector]
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Oct 13, 2025 Kyle Wilhoit, a seasoned cybersecurity researcher and Director of Threat Research at Unit 42, shares his journey from discovering hacker culture through 2600 magazine to leading threat research. He discusses how AI is lowering barriers for cybercriminals and how the professionalization of cybersecurity has altered the community, fostering less open sharing. Kyle advises aspiring security professionals to master fundamentals, embrace soft skills, and maintain curiosity. He envisions a future where hacker culture is recognized as a force for good, emphasizing core values like integrity and knowledge sharing.
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Early Hacker Origin Story
- Kyle first felt part of hacker culture building a 'beige box' from plans in 2600 magazine as a teenager.
- He later felt professional belonging when attending Black Hat and DEF CON as a new security engineer.
Hacker Culture Has Become Multifaceted
- Hacker culture began as hands-on curiosity, skill-based judgement, and mistrust of authority.
- Today it is multifaceted and intertwined with mainstream tech, carrying both positive and negative baggage.
Mentors Who Taught 'What If'
- Kyle credits his brother's engineering curiosity for sparking his desire to take things apart and learn how they work.
- He also credits mentors Martin Rosler and Ben April for training him to ask "what if" and run experimental research.
