Hacking Culture, Community, and Curiosity: Evolving Security Research in a Modern World
Tue Sep 16 2025
The dynamic evolution of hacker culture, the ongoing transformation of cybersecurity conferences, and the importance of resilience and curiosity among security researchers are all topics covered in this episode through stories of past and present with Dhillon Kannabhiran, CEO and Founder of Hack In The Box (HITB) and Out Of The Box. He and Phillip Wylie examine the shift from open knowledge sharing and exploration to the monetization and commercialization of cybersecurity exploits. Dhillon offers insights into the unique approaches Hack In The Box and Out of the Box conferences have taken, encouraging people the valuing of persistence and the collaborative spirit that push the community forward.
Dhillon Kannabhiran on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/l33tdawg/
Dhillon Kannabhiran on X: https://x.com/l33tdawg
Key Points/Topics Covered:
Evolution of hacker culture and the foundational role of resilience and curiosityHistory, mission, and format of Hack In The Box and Out of the Box conferencesShifts in conference and research communities post-COVID and the influence of commercialization on sharingThe continuing need for community, knowledge sharing, and supporting new talent in cybersecurityThe changing landscape of security research and bug hunting with the advent of AI and new technology
Let’s connect about IoT Security!
Follow Phillip Wylie at https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillipwyliehttps://youtube.com/@phillipwylie
The IoT Security Podcast is powered by Phosphorus Cybersecurity. Join the conversation for the IoT Security Podcast — where xIoT meets Security. Learn more at https://phosphorus.io/podcast
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The dynamic evolution of hacker culture, the ongoing transformation of cybersecurity conferences, and the importance of resilience and curiosity among security researchers are all topics covered in this episode through stories of past and present with Dhillon Kannabhiran, CEO and Founder of Hack In The Box (HITB) and Out Of The Box. He and Phillip Wylie examine the shift from open knowledge sharing and exploration to the monetization and commercialization of cybersecurity exploits. Dhillon offers insights into the unique approaches Hack In The Box and Out of the Box conferences have taken, encouraging people the valuing of persistence and the collaborative spirit that push the community forward. Dhillon Kannabhiran on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/l33tdawg/ Dhillon Kannabhiran on X: https://x.com/l33tdawg Key Points/Topics Covered: Evolution of hacker culture and the foundational role of resilience and curiosityHistory, mission, and format of Hack In The Box and Out of the Box conferencesShifts in conference and research communities post-COVID and the influence of commercialization on sharingThe continuing need for community, knowledge sharing, and supporting new talent in cybersecurityThe changing landscape of security research and bug hunting with the advent of AI and new technology Let’s connect about IoT Security! Follow Phillip Wylie at https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillipwyliehttps://youtube.com/@phillipwylie The IoT Security Podcast is powered by Phosphorus Cybersecurity. Join the conversation for the IoT Security Podcast — where xIoT meets Security. Learn more at https://phosphorus.io/podcast