Lighting Controller Research

What happens when people put Industrial Lighting Controllers that are used on prestigious buildings and national landmarks online? Usually nothing... good. Cody and Nick's research, including the lack of default basic authentication on these internet-connected devices, is explained here in their findings. 

Level Up: 
vCSO Edition

Bruce McCully and Cody Kretsinger's book on A Simple, Scalable vCSO Framework For MSPs/MSSPs That Grows Your Bottom Line While Reducing Liability And Protecting Your Clients. Click here for a copy.

Cody's Latest Interview

Join former FBI Agent Chris Tarbell, former fellow LulzSec hacker Hector 'Sabu' Monsegur and Cody Kretsinger as they dive into all things LulzSec. Listen here or anywhere you get your favorite podcasts.   

Profile

Hacker. Strategist. Reluctant Adult.

About Cody

He once made global headlines for his role in the Sony breach—now he helps organizations stay out of the news. With over a decade leading Red, Blue, and Purple teams, Cody brings raw, battle-tested insight to MSPs, MSSPs, and security teams ready to fight smarter. No buzzwords. No fluff. Just real-world tactics from someone who used to be the threat.

Details

Name:
Cody Kretsinger

Location:
United States

Cody's cause

From adversary to advocate—Cody’s mission is to bring real-world security to the people who need it most.

Cody isn't looking for redemption. 


He’s here to take responsibility—and help others stay ahead.

As a public speaker, Cody shares hard-earned lessons from both sides of the fight—blending breach-tested tactics with the kind of clarity that cuts through the noise. He’s spoken across the country, delivering talks that are part technical deep-dive, part wake-up call.
After making headlines worldwide for his role in the LulzSec Sony breach, Cody didn’t disappear—he rebuilt. Today, he works with MSPs, MSSPs, and security teams to strengthen their defenses through hands-on research, real-world advisory, and tools that mirror real-world attack tactics—so defenders can test and improve before it counts.

He co-chairs BSides Peoria, is an ​Executive Director for the non-profit Illinois Cyber Foundation, contributes to private threat intelligence groups, and regularly speaks to at-risk youth about the real-life consequences of cybercrime.

Cody’s cause is simple:  Use the skills that once caused chaos to help others prevent it.

General email

info at codykretsinger dot com

Media Requests

media at codykretsinger dot com

Cody's current talks

Want Cody to talk at your event? Cody has these topics and more ready to go.

Your IR is bad and you should feel bad

Don't figure out your organization’s Incident Response measures are bad during an event. Cody talks about the pitfalls of unprepared orgs, and how to plan for a successful IR.

Length: 30/60 min

Building an Effective soc

The hill to climb to spin up a Security group is steep. Cody outlines the top ten things to identify and avoid when setting up a new SOC

Length: 30/60 min

This little light of mine... 

ILCs shouldn’t be connected to the internet, right? Cody talks about of some of the worlds most prestigious landmarks, and one of the hacks no one is thinking about.

Length: 30/60 min

Cybersecurity from a hackers Perspective

An FBI and Infraguard favorite, Cody outlines his history, the TTPs LulzSec used, and reasons they chose their targets. 

Length: 60 min

Inside & Out

There are a lot of misconceptions about landing in federal prison and what happens when you get out. Cody goes through his stent in Federal Prison and its culture as well as what Felons are subjected to once they’re released.

Length: 30 min
Keynote  

hacking businesses for fun

The most common ways hackers are kicking in the front door, and the steps you can take to protect yourself.

Length: 60 min