I made headlines as a hacker when I breached Sony as part of LulzSec. In fact, Brian Williams said my name on national television. It’s not something many people experience—but while that moment defined my past, it doesn’t define my purpose.
For over a decade, I ran Red, Blue, and Purple teams across environments most people will never see. I’ve built entire SOCs, developed threat intelligence workflows, designed attack simulations, and led incident response efforts during some of the worst-case scenarios imaginable. And the reason I could do it well? Because I’ve been on both sides—I’ve defended systems, and I’ve broken into them. That perspective isn’t theoretical—it’s lived. ADHD probably helped a bit, too.
Before any of that, I was on track to join the NSA’s elite red team—flying around the world to combat serious threats, Government Adversaries, and notorious spies. But like many, I was young, arrogant, impressionable, and thought I had something to prove. I made a choice that cost me everything I’d worked toward. And yet, when I reflect on it now, I’m not sure I’d change it—because it gave me a rare chance to help others in a way I never could have if I’d stayed on the safe path.
Today, I use that experience to educate. I work with MSPs, MSSPs, and security teams to help them understand the real threat landscape—not through hype or fear, but through practical insight and lived experience. Helping others is my passion. I speak at conferences, lead training sessions, consult on strategy, and write content designed to make both attackers and defenders sharper and more prepared.
My work also extends beyond the security industry. I regularly speak with students, aspiring professionals, and at-risk youth about hacking, decision-making, and how fast things can unravel—even when you think you’re the smartest person in the room. I also work with law enforcement and security teams to help close the gap between how hackers think and how defenders respond. And as a Federal Felon, I actively advocate for felony rights—including the right to vote in every state and firearm ownership for non-violent offenders.
When I’m not speaking or working with clients, you’ll probably find me at the archery range, in the woodshop, or trying to turn questionable home brews into something drinkable—though most are still undrinkable.
What matters most to me is simple:
I use the skills that once caused chaos to help others prevent it.
Not for redemption—but because it’s the right thing to do.