Christopher J. Hadnagy | |
---|---|
Born | Christopher James Hadnagy |
Occupation(s) | Information technology consultant, author |
Organization(s) | Innocent Lives Foundation, Social-Engineer, LLC |
Website | www |
Christopher James Hadnagy is an American author and information technology security consultant. He is recognized for his contributions to the field of social engineering in information security.
Christopher J. Hadnagy is the founder and CEO of Social-Engineer LLC, a company specializing in education and training in social engineering.[1] He also established Social-Engineer.Org, an IT security education website.[2]
Over his 17-year career, Hadnagy has contributed significantly to the information security industry, including developing a social engineering framework, producing a newsletter, and hosting a podcast focused on the subject.[3][4]
He also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Arizona's Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations, designated by the NSA.[5]
In 2019, Vice reported that Hadnagy sold computer software designed for identifying anonymous online child predators to the FBI for $250,000.[6]
In 2017, Hadnagy founded the Innocent Lives Foundation,[7] dedicated to protecting children from online predators by investigating child exploitation, sexual abuse, trafficking, and the production of child sexual abuse material. The foundation collaborates with information security professionals, utilizes open-source intelligence (OSINT), and works with law enforcement agencies in the United States, including support from actor Erin Gray[8] and the FBI.[9]
Hadnagy contributed to DEF CON by helping create a social engineering competition in 2009 and sponsoring one of the first social engineering capture the flag events in 2010.[10][11]
In 2018, he revealed his online moniker "LoganWHD" to a reporter from The New York Times.[12] However, Hadnagy was permanently banned from DEF CON in 2022 for code of conduct violations, a decision he publicly disputed.[13][14] He later sued DEF CON for harm to his reputation, a case that is currently pending.[15][16][17][18]
In 2021, Security BSides in Cleveland Ohio featured Hadnagy as an unlisted "special guest" speaker.[19] Controversy surrounding his participation and speaking led to several other speakers withdrawing from the event in the moment of speaking.[20]
Organization sponsors that brought on Hadnagy included local security companies.
Christopher Hadnagy has authored several books on social engineering, including: