Send us a text

Eddie Miro joins us as a guest on the Security Chipmunks podcast, a social engineer, cybersecurity pro and a community leader, Eddie shares tips and advice for cybersecurity newcomers, shares his past and talks about the competition Octopus Game.

At the heart of Eddie's current work is his involvement with DEF CON, where he runs "Octopus Game" which became an official Black Badge contest designed as a "tutorial quest" for conference newcomers. The game sends participants on missions throughout the conference, helping them navigate the overwhelming environment through accessible challenges and puzzles. What began as a Squid Game-inspired battle royale has evolved into a beloved event making cybersecurity more welcoming to beginners, embodying DEF CON's push toward greater accessibility.

Eddie's transparency about his past, documented in his memoir creates powerful connections with others on similar journeys. After talks, people regularly approach him to share how his story resonates with their own struggles, finding inspiration in his transformation. For aspiring cybersecurity professionals, Eddie emphasizes building strong foundations in IT before specializing, getting involved with community groups, and developing communication skills. His most powerful advice may be the simplest: keep showing up. "Grit correlates higher with success than intelligence," he notes, explaining that persistence often matters more than technical brilliance in career advancement. Whether you're attending your first cybersecurity event or looking to pivot careers, Eddie's story proves that with determination and community support, anyone can reinvent themselves in this dynamic industry.

Socials

• Join our Chipmunk community Discord server: https://discord.gg/9yfWP6evYQ
• Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SecChipmunk
• You can find us online at: https://securitychipmunks.com