3 leadership lessons we can learn from ethical hackers

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.

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.

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.