Episode 6

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Published on:

30th Jul 2025

From Hacker to Hero: Hieu Minh Ngo's Journey

In this episode of the Security by Default podcast, host Joe Carson interviews Hieu Minh Ngo, a former cyber-criminal turned cybersecurity advocate. Hieu shares his journey from a curious teenager in Vietnam to a successful hacker, his time in prison, and his eventual redemption as he now works to help others avoid the pitfalls he faced. He discusses the importance of honesty, mentorship, and using one's skills for good, emphasizing the need for awareness in cybersecurity and the potential for change in the lives of young hackers.

Takeaways

  • Hieu Minh Ngo transitioned from a cyber-criminal to a cybersecurity advocate.
  • His journey began with curiosity about computers and the internet.
  • He faced severe consequences for his hacking activities, including imprisonment.
  • Prison became a time for self-reflection and personal growth for Hieu.
  • He emphasizes the importance of being honest with oneself.
  • After prison, he was recruited by the Vietnamese government for cybersecurity work.
  • Hieu now mentor’s young hackers to use their skills for good.
  • He believes in the power of community and positive influences.
  • Hieu encourages young hackers to participate in bug bounty programs.
  • He stresses that good things will happen when you do the right thing.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Cybercrime and Transformation
  • 11:56 The Journey from Hacking to Cybersecurity
  • 23:48 The Dark Web and Identity Theft
  • 29:46 Finding Purpose in Prison
  • 31:41 The Journey to Redemption
  • 35:59 Consequences and Redemption
  • 37:27 Life After Prison: A New Beginning
  • 42:31 Using Skills for Good
  • 49:23 Awards and Recognition
  • 51:22 Future Aspirations and Mentorship
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About the Podcast

Security by Default
Security by Default is a cybersecurity podcast hosted by Joseph Carson, a renowned ethical hacker and security expert. Each episode dives into the latest security trends.
Security by Default is a cybersecurity podcast hosted by Joseph Carson, a renowned ethical hacker and security expert. Each episode dives into the latest security trends, real-world threats, and practical advice for staying safe in the digital world. With insightful interviews and clear explanations, Joseph makes complex topics accessible for both IT professionals and curious listeners alike.

About your host

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Joseph Carson

I am a distinguished cybersecurity professional with over 30 years of experience in enterprise security and infrastructure.

Throughout my career, I have been an active contributor to the cybersecurity community, serving as an educator, ethical hacker, and speaker at global conferences. I hold both the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certifications as well as advise various governments, critical infrastructure organizations, and industries such as finance and transportation on cybersecurity matters.
I am the author of "Cybersecurity for Dummies," a book that has gained global recognition for helping companies integrate people, processes, and technology to strengthen their defense against cyberattacks. The book has over 50,000 readers worldwide and provides a straightforward approach to understanding cybersecurity.

In addition to my writing, I have authored numerous articles and research papers, contributing to publications such as The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Dark Reading, and CSO Magazine. I also host the bi-weekly podcast "Security by Default" which offers insights from leading cybersecurity experts and discusses best practices for navigating security challenges.
I am dedicated to educating the next generation of cybersecurity leaders and his commitment to building a safer internet have made him a respected figure in the cybersecurity community.