

A Hacker Saved The Internet
Nov 1, 2023
Ethical hacker Marcus Hutchins discusses his early days as a talented coder and his involvement in internet forums. The podcast covers the challenges of tracking individuals on BitTorrent, the development of Marcus' moral code, and the importance of software updates. It also explores Marcus' pivotal role in stopping the WannaCry virus, his legal troubles, and redemption.
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Early Hacking
- Marcus Hutchins, a talented coder, bypassed school computer restrictions to install games.
- This act fueled his passion for computers and coding, foreshadowing his future in cybersecurity.
First Hack
- At 14, Hutchins created a hack in Internet Explorer exploiting auto-fill functionalities to gather passwords.
- He shared this exploit on online forums, focused on showcasing skills rather than malicious intent.
Online Acceptance
- Hutchins's early hacking was driven by a desire for acceptance and approval in online communities.
- Being banned from school computers further pushed him into these online spaces.