Encore: What Happened to Hacker Culture?

Encore: What Happened to Hacker Culture?

From Threat Vector by Palo Alto Networks by Palo Alto Networks and N2K Networks

June 25, 2026 · 38 min · Season 7 · Episode 86

About this episode

The episode features a discussion on the evolution of hacker culture and cybersecurity with insights from Kyle Wilhoit.

Enjoy this encore episode of Threat Vector by Palo Alto Networks. Join David Moulton⁠, Senior Director of Thought Leadership for Unit 42, as he sits down with⁠ Kyle Wilhoit⁠,Technical Director of Threat Research at Unit 42, for an intimate conversation about the evolution of hacker culture and cybersecurity. From picking up ⁠2600: The Hacker Quarterly⁠ magazines at Barnes & Noble and building beige boxes to leading threat research at Palo Alto Networks, Kyle shares his personal journey into the security community. This conversation explores how AI and automation are lowering barriers for attackers, the professionalization of cybersecurity, and what's been lost and gained in the industry's maturation. Kyle offers practical advice for newcomers who don't fit the traditional mold, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, soft skills, and intellectual humility. Kyle Wilhoit is a seasoned cybersecurity researcher, with more than 15 years of experience studying cybercrime and nation-state threats. He's a frequent speaker at global conferences like Black Hat, FIRST, and SecTor, and has authored two industry-respected books: ⁠Hacking Exposed Industrial Control Systems⁠ and…

People in this episode

Host: David Moulton

Guest: Kyle Wilhoit

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Palo Alto Networks, Unit 42, 2600: The Hacker Quarterly, Black Hat, FIRST, SecTor

Books & works: Hacking Exposed Industrial Control Systems, Operationalizing Threat Intelligence

More episodes of Threat Vector by Palo Alto Networks

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Threat Vector by Palo Alto Networks podcast page.