Modern cybersecurity, as we all know today, is the result of years of transformation. It was back in the 80s when pioneering hacking enthusiasts began aggregating in self-organized communities, exploring the boundaries and capabilities of computer systems and networks. These individuals, often seen as alternative personalities who struggled to fit into an increasingly globalized and controlled society, found their freedom within the hacking subculture.

Driven by passion and curiosity, this movement rapidly grew, creating digital communication platforms for virtual connections, and organizing hacking camps and conferences for social gatherings. Naturally, this initial wave of pioneering geeks matured, with many transitioning into responsible adults. Some went on to establish businesses, offering security services and developing products to meet the growing demands of a growing security market.

In this keynote, we explore this significant social transformation and reflect on its current state: a cybersecurity realm dominated by large-scale multinational corporations where individuals are not necessarily viewed as like-minded enthusiasts driven by passion and curiosity, but as part of a workforce that can be replaced by autonomous systems to cut costs and maximize profits.