3 leadership lessons we can learn from ethical hackers

What do you think of when you hear the word “hacker”? Term originally explained A computer enthusiast who explored the limits of technology in the 1950s and 60s. It wasn’t until the 1980s that this happened. new law Sensationalization in media and culture has made cybercrime synonymous with cybercrime. But that was about half a century ago.

enlightened government And companies are now de-stigmatizing this practice and benefiting from the technical expertise and fresh perspectives of ethical hackers. They are right to take advantage of them. If a teenager discovers a vulnerability that could bring down a multibillion-dollar company and chooses to report it ethically, there are lessons to be learned.

Great hackers master what I call the “hacker mindset.” It is a constant commitment to curiosity, vision, transparency, and shaping the world despite perceived boundaries. Many of the best leaders I’ve met in my career also embody these traits, which converge as a fearless attitude that challenges the status quo. Sometimes the best leaders teeth hacker.

Consider the story of Anand Prakash, an ethical hacker. He turned that passion into a successful cybersecurity startup, PingSafe. Through his hacking experience, Prakash identified gaps in how organizations approach security and shifted his focus to building solutions to these challenges. This year, he sold the company to SentinelOne. 100 million dollar song. Also earlier this year, a company founded by hackers sublime security raised 20 million dollars Redefining cloud email security. Hackers are increasingly becoming business builders. Companies such as ProjectDiscovery, Hadrian, Ethiack, Detectify, and Assetnote embody the “hackerpreneurism” trend. These founders also reveal how the characteristics of successful hackers complement the qualities needed to lead an organization in an increasingly competitive and dynamic market. Here’s what I learned about leadership from hackers:

If others see something broken, please find an opportunity

In essence, hackers have a talent for finding hidden things beyond the obvious. They use ingenuity and resourcefulness to deal with threats and anticipate future risks. And most importantly, they aren’t afraid to break things to make them better. Similarly, when leading an organization, you are often faced with problems that seem insurmountable from the outside. You’ll need to address challenges that threaten your company’s culture and product roadmap, and it’s up to you to decide on the right path to progress. Now is the most important time to find hidden opportunities to strengthen your organization and take fearless decisions towards a stronger path.

Take IBM, for example. In the face of fierce competition, Quarterly loss of $8 billion In the early ’90s, the company moved away from its initial focus on hardware and bet big on software and information technology. This decision has given the company a healthy position in the S&P 500 today, far superior to its former risk-taking competitors.

Value transparency over obfuscation and feedback over ego.

If you look at the disagreements within the hacker community, you’ll find that most complaints are aired in very public forums. This healthy tension builds strong accountability across the cybersecurity ecosystem. As organizations grow, many struggle to gain strong ownership and transparency. The flow of information is often stifled and siloed by bureaucracy and hierarchy. Some information is sensitive and should be treated as such, but by making the most of how teams share knowledge and insights, organizations can build trust internally and collaborate on complex problems. It can be solved.

Leaders must eliminate egos and foster open communication within their organizations. At HackerOne, we establish accountability through weekly Ask Me Anything (AMA) sessions across the company, share organizational knowledge, ask tough business questions, and empower employees to speak up and express their perspectives without fear of retaliation. We encourage you to share. These channels provide cross-functional leadership and create a unified front of trust.

If you want to build a better world, cultivate an obsessive vision.

Most hackers are self-taught enthusiasts. They are young and have no formal cybersecurity training, but are driven by a passion for their craft. An inner drive drives them to keep looking for what others are missing. If there was a way to see the gap, they would find it. The same goes for some of the best leaders I’ve met in my career, and undisputed public figures who have shaped the technology industry.

Every great invention, project, or program has fostered unity among employees and fostered a drive toward a better future. When a culture is built around a mission that is bigger than the product you are selling, it creates a powerful innate motivation. It is the mission of a leader to always ask: What are your teams, departments, and employees building towards?”

Steve Jobs’ unwavering vision for the iPhone forced his team to think outside of traditional boundaries. His determination has built products that reimagine how we all communicate and interact with the people and places around us.

So next time you’re looking for inspiration, don’t overlook an unlikely source. Because that’s where your most valuable insights may lie. With the dedication of a hacker, you can also build a more resilient company and tomorrow.

Chris Evans is CISO and Chief Hacking Officer. hacker one.