A veteran hacker who has graced over 15 security conferences this year alone, Haddix evolved from a curious gamer to a respected CEO. He’s somehow able to pursue all of this while providing valuable content accessible to everyone and staying focused on his family life. Let’s dive into Haddix’s journey and learn about his priceless contributions to the hacker community.
Haddix’s origins
Like many in his field, Haddix’s first brush with hacking came through video games. What started as playful experimentation soon led him to the shadowy corners of early hacking forums. It was there, among the “bad guys,” as he puts it, that he first learned the intricacies of web hacking. A pivotal moment came when a college professor suggested he turn his skills into a legitimate career—a revelation that would shape his future as a hacker.
When asked about the challenges he encountered upon entering the field, Haddix acknowledges that getting started can feel overwhelming. “Getting your foot in the door is often the biggest hurdle,” he admits. “But it’s not insurmountable. It takes tenacity and a relentless work ethic—qualities that will serve you well throughout your career.”
The transition from daily hacker to speaker and CEO has been a natural one for Haddix. His success was built on his talent for making complex security concepts accessible to everyone. He states, “From conference talks to publishing my hacking methodologies for free, I’ve always aimed to give back to the community that helped shape me.” He credits the late Dan Kaminsky, former Director of Penetration Testing at ioActive, as a major influence on his approach to security communication.
Haddix’s own road to success was paved with certifications and persistent skill-building, strategies that helped him stand out in a crowded field. But he emphasizes that technical skills alone aren’t enough (see his take on communication skills below).
From hacker to educator
After two decades in offensive security, Haddix has found a new calling in education. “Teaching is my new passion,” he reveals. “I love educating the next generation.” His training course, where he packs 20 years of security expertise into three intensive days, represents what he wishes he had access to at the start of his journey.
For example, he advises new hackers to never underestimate the importance of communication: “One of the most important lessons I wish I’d learned earlier is that cybersecurity is only 50% about hacking—the other 50% is all about communication. Early on, I was focused mainly on the technical side, but over time, I realized that if I couldn’t communicate the impact and urgency to stakeholders, even the best discoveries would fall flat.” In his experience, hackers often have to work with teams that need things broken down in a way that resonates with their own unique goals. He says, “Learning how to communicate well with non-security folks can really amplify your impact and make a big difference in the field.”
Advice to new hackers
To those engaged in bug bounty hunting, Haddix has a unique message: Slow down and dig deep.
“Bug bounty targets are often heavily fortified,” Haddix explains. “The most successful hunters I know? They’re not just dropping in for a quick scan. They’re investing weeks, sometimes months, to getting to know their targets inside and out. They dive deep into every nook and cranny, exploring functionalities that scanners and typical pen tests might overlook. Bug bounty success often boils down to time and persistence—being willing to keep digging long after the basics have been checked.”
For those transitioning from traditional penetration testing, this methodical approach can feel counterintuitive and may discourage some. The quick wins that characterize many security assessments are harder to come by in the bug bounty world. Instead, success requires a willingness to explore every last detail, venturing far beyond what automation might reveal. He says, “You need to think differently about time investment and your approach.”
Therefore, for those looking to make the leap into bug bounty hunting, Haddix offers this important piece of advice: Be prepared to invest the time. “Understanding that this is a marathon, not a sprint, is crucial,” he says. “The hunters who succeed are the ones who commit to the process, who aren’t discouraged by the longer timeline, and who find satisfaction in the depth of their work rather than just the quick wins.”
This is a reminder that sometimes, the best results come to those who are willing to slow down, dig deep, and play the long game.
Tools and community
While methodology matters more than tools, having the right toolkit can make a difference in a hacker’s career. Haddix, who benchmarks security tools weekly as part of his course development, leans on a few ol’ reliables. “An interception proxy like Burp Suite is absolutely essential for web hacking,” he notes. For reconnaissance work, he recommends SubFinder and httpx from Project Discovery.
But he’s quick to add that his toolkit isn’t static: “The security landscape is always evolving, and your tools need to evolve with it. What works today might not be as effective tomorrow.”
Haddix has maintained a notable loyalty to Bugcrowd. His story offers a glimpse into how meaningful relationships are just as valuable as financial gains. “Success has a way of leaving its mark,” Haddix reflects, recalling his first major win on the Bugcrowd platform. Bugcrowd’s gamification elements have proven particularly compelling for Haddix, who maintains his position among the top 60 researchers—no small feat in this community.
But it’s not just about leaderboards and numbers. “What truly sets Bugcrowd apart is its treatment of researchers,” Haddix emphasizes. “They genuinely respect the work we do, and that makes a big difference. It’s clear that Bugcrowd is committed to building a community that values and supports its contributors, which really sets it apart.”
Haddix is action-focused
As CEO of Arcanum, Haddix’s vision for 2025 includes expanding the company’s training offerings with 2–4 new courses. He says, “I plan to keep pushing forward with what we’re doing best—releasing top-notch training and providing world-class consulting. We’re in a great place, and the goal is to keep growing and innovating in ways that really serve the community.” But personally speaking, he dreams of taking his children to Paris and making a personal journey to Japan.
When he’s not hacking, creating content, or leading his company, Haddix finds release in the strategic world of paintball and airsoft. “It’s a bit like hacking in real life, planning, adapting, and thinking a few steps ahead,” he explains. This physical outlet provides a welcome break from screen time.
The family man behind the screen
Despite his demanding roles as a CEO and a security leader, Haddix’s life outside of hacking revolves firmly around family. “Most of my free time is spent on family activities, whether it’s getting out and doing something fun together or just enjoying a low-key day at home,” he shares.
When he does find personal time, gaming serves as his escape, offering a different kind of mental challenge that keeps his mind sharp. He says, “My second big passion is gaming. I actually spent a good part of my career as the CISO of a gaming company because I really believe in the power of video games to provide young people with the community, connection, and outlets they need to thrive. Gaming isn’t just entertainment—it’s a space where people can build skills, form friendships, and be a part of something bigger. It’s been amazing to see how much gaming can positively impact people.”
The human element
Perhaps Haddix’s most valuable insight comes from his honest view on burnout and mental health. “Work is a bit of a roller coaster,” he admits, advocating for transparency about productivity’s natural ebb and flow. His remedy? Sometimes it’s as simple as taking a few days off to reset and recharge. Other times it’s about spending quality time with family.
Whether he’s breaking down complex vulnerabilities for learners, spending quality time with family, or pushing the boundaries of his company, Haddix embodies the modern hacker. Visit him online or strike up a conversation with him at his 101st conference this year!
