Friday, 31 Oct 2025
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA
logo logo
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
  • 🔥
  • Trump
  • VIDEO
  • House
  • White
  • ScienceAlert
  • Trumps
  • Watch
  • man
  • Health
  • Season
Font ResizerAa
American FocusAmerican Focus
Search
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
Follow US
© 2024 americanfocus.online – All Rights Reserved.
American Focus > Blog > Tech and Science > 3 leadership lessons we can learn from ethical hackers
Tech and Science

3 leadership lessons we can learn from ethical hackers

Last updated: November 17, 2024 1:57 pm
Share
3 leadership lessons we can learn from ethical hackers
SHARE

Stay up to date with the latest updates and exclusive content on industry-leading AI coverage by subscribing to our daily and weekly newsletters. Learn more


Contents
Where others see something broken, find opportunityEmbrace transparency over obfuscation and feedback over egoFoster obsessive vision if it builds a better world

When the term “hacker” is mentioned, what usually comes to mind? Originally, hackers were computer enthusiasts pushing the boundaries of technology in the 1950s and 60s. However, in the 1980s, new laws and sensationalized portrayals in media and culture transformed the term into synonymous with cybercrime. That was almost fifty years ago.

Forward-thinking governments and businesses have now separated the action from the stigma and are benefiting from the technical expertise and fresh perspectives of ethical hackers. When a teenager can discover a vulnerability that could potentially bring down a multi-billion dollar company and chooses to report it ethically, there are valuable lessons to be learned.

The most skilled hackers have embraced what is known as the “hacker mindset.” This mindset involves a relentless commitment to curiosity, vision, transparency, and shaping the world despite perceived limitations. Many of the exceptional leaders I’ve encountered in my career also embody these traits, which collectively form a fearlessness to disrupt the status quo. In some cases, the best leaders are hackers themselves.

Consider the story of Anand Prakash, an ethical hacker who turned his passion into a successful cybersecurity startup, PingSafe. Prakash identified gaps in how organizations approached security through his hacking experiences and redirected his focus to develop a solution for these challenges. This year, he sold his company to SentinelOne for $100 million. Similarly, earlier this year, hacker-founded Sublime Security raised $20 million to redefine cloud email security. Hackers are increasingly becoming entrepreneurs, with companies like ProjectDiscovery, Hadrian, Ethiack, Detectify, and Assetnote exemplifying a trend of “hackerpreneurism.” These founders illustrate how the characteristics of a successful hacker complement the qualities needed to lead organizations in a competitive and dynamic marketplace. Here is what leadership lessons I’ve gleaned from these hackers.

See also  Mufasa: The Lion King Streaming, VOD, DVD Release Dates

Where others see something broken, find opportunity

Hackers naturally possess a talent for looking beyond the surface to uncover hidden elements. They utilize their ingenuity and resourcefulness to address threats and anticipate future risks. Most importantly, they are unafraid to break things in order to improve them. Similarly, as a leader of an organization, you often encounter problems that may seem insurmountable from the outside. It is crucial to identify hidden opportunities to strengthen your organization and remain bold in your decisions for progress.

Take IBM, for instance. Faced with intense competition and an $8 billion quarterly loss in the early 90s, the company pivoted from its hardware focus to software and information technology. This decision positioned IBM favorably in the S&P 500 today, ahead of former competitors unwilling to take risks.

Embrace transparency over obfuscation and feedback over ego

In the hacker community, most disagreements are publicly aired, fostering strong accountability across the cybersecurity ecosystem. As organizations grow, many struggle with transparency and ownership. Information flow often becomes restricted by bureaucracy and hierarchy. Leaders must set aside ego and promote open communication within their organizations. At HackerOne, we foster accountability through company-wide weekly Ask Me Anything (AMA) sessions to encourage knowledge sharing and open dialogue without fear of reprisal.

Foster obsessive vision if it builds a better world

Most hackers are self-taught enthusiasts driven by passion for their craft. Their internal drive propels them to uncover what others overlook. The best leaders share this drive and work towards a mission that transcends product sales. It is essential for leaders to constantly ask what their team is building towards and why. Steve Jobs’ unwavering vision for the iPhone pushed his team beyond conventional boundaries, resulting in a product that revolutionized communication.

See also  Shared Governance Is Transforming Nursing Leadership

Next time you seek inspiration, look to unlikely sources for valuable insights. With dedication and a hacker-like approach, you can build a more resilient company and shape a better tomorrow.

Chris Evans is the CISO and Chief Hacking Officer at HackerOne.

TAGGED:ethicalhackersLeadershipLearnLessons
Share This Article
Twitter Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article The Meaning Of The Harm Trump Didn’t Suffer The Meaning Of The Harm Trump Didn’t Suffer
Next Article Joe Biden Makes History As The First President To Visit The Amazon Rainforest Joe Biden Makes History As The First President To Visit The Amazon Rainforest
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Popular Posts

A new 3-D display lets you reach in and touch virtual objects

The development of floating displays that users can reach into and manipulate is a significant…

April 29, 2025

Boulder, Colo. attack; Trump’s budget in the Senate : NPR

Good day. Welcome to the Morning Buzz newsletter. Sign up here to receive it directly in your…

June 2, 2025

Elizabeth Hurley Turns Heads in Jaw-Dropping Tiny Red Bikini Selfie

Elizabeth Hurley continues to defy age with her stunning appearance in a tiny red bikini…

July 22, 2025

How Israel Built a Secret Drone Army Inside Iran That Humiliated the Mullahs and Crippled Their Nuclear Program |

Photo courtesy of the Times of Israel In a startling revelation, Israeli officials have confirmed…

June 15, 2025

Caution needed when drawing links between improving symptoms and unproven remedies, study warns

A recent study has shed light on the tendency of people to continue with unproven…

September 9, 2024

You Might Also Like

Your flight emissions are way higher than carbon calculators suggest
Tech and Science

Your flight emissions are way higher than carbon calculators suggest

October 31, 2025
USB-C Chargers: How to Choose the Best One
Tech and Science

USB-C Chargers: How to Choose the Best One

October 31, 2025
Physicists Just Ruled Out The Universe Being a Simulation : ScienceAlert
Tech and Science

Physicists Just Ruled Out The Universe Being a Simulation : ScienceAlert

October 31, 2025
Tim Cook says Apple is open to M&A on the AI front
Tech and Science

Tim Cook says Apple is open to M&A on the AI front

October 31, 2025
logo logo
Facebook Twitter Youtube

About US


Explore global affairs, political insights, and linguistic origins. Stay informed with our comprehensive coverage of world news, politics, and Lifestyle.

Top Categories
  • Crime
  • Environment
  • Sports
  • Tech and Science
Usefull Links
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA

© 2024 americanfocus.online –  All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?