Chris Wysopal: From L0pht to Veracode, and OG Hacker's Journey

Summary In this episode of the Phillip Wylie Show, Chris Wysopal, a renowned hacker and cybersecurity expert, shares his journey from his early days of hacking to founding Veracode. He discusses the evolution of hacking culture, the importance of hands-on experience in cybersecurity, and the challenges posed by generative AI in software development. Wysopal emphasizes the need for understanding coding and the risks associated with supply chain security in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity. Takeaways • Chris Wysopal's journey into hacking began with a modem in college. • The hacker culture has evolved from building to breaking into systems. • Starting Veracode was driven by a passion for application security technology. • The CTO role is flexible and evolves with the company's needs. • Hands-on experience is crucial for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. • Understanding coding is beneficial, but not strictly necessary for cybersecurity roles. • Supply chain security is a growing concern in the cybersecurity landscape. • Generative AI is changing the way software is developed and tested. • Automated tools are essential for managing increased code vulnerabilities. • Security must be integrated seamlessly into the development process. Resources https://www.linkedin.com/in/wysopal/ https://x.com/WeldPond https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Wysopal https://www.linkedin.com/company/veracode/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Chris Wysopal 07:55 The Evolution of Hacking Culture 15:35 The Role of a CTO and Company Evolution 23:22 Advice for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals 29:47 Cybersecurity Risks in 2025 35:03 Generative AI and Its Impact on Security