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Corey Thuen Discusses the 'Evil Bit' Mindset in Cybersecurity
Key points
- Corey Thuen is CEO of Gravwell, a data analytics and vulnerability detection firm.
- He seeks an 'evil bit' or adversarial mindset in hacker candidates.
- Thuen views hacking skills as neutral tools, like guns, used for good or bad.
- His early interest in computers and video game tinkering led him to hacking.
The 'Evil Bit' in Cybersecurity
Corey Thuen, CEO of Gravwell, a firm specializing in data analytics and vulnerability detection, emphasizes the importance of an 'evil bit' mindset in cybersecurity professionals. This refers to an adversarial perspective that allows individuals to identify and exploit system weaknesses. Thuen believes this mindset is innate and difficult to teach.
Hacking for Good
Thuen clarifies that this 'evil streak' does not imply a lack of morality. He cites his work with the US government, where he hacked power substation systems to improve critical infrastructure security. He likens hacking skills to tools, such as guns, which are neutral in themselves and can be used for beneficial or harmful purposes depending on the user's intent.
Early Hacking Influences
Thuen realized his hacker identity at a young age, driven by an interest in computers. His journey began with reading a DOS manual and later experimenting with video game save files using a hex editor to modify game parameters. The movie 'Hackers' further solidified his desire to pursue a career in the field.
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Reporting from
Corey Thuen, CEO of Gravwell, describes the 'evil bit' as an adversarial mindset crucial for cybersecurity professionals who identify system vulnerabilities. He explains that this hacker mentality, while appearing 'evil', is used to improve security by proactively finding exploits. Thuen equates hacking skills to tools that can be used for good or bad depending on intent.