Nico Sell on recruiting hackers for good

People often have a bad perception of hackers, conjuring up images of either 20-somethings in their parents’ basement or sophisticated criminals responsible for massive data breaches. Nico Sell, founder and chairman of the Wickr Foundation, wants to change that.

Hacking is the most important skill set for the future of the world.

She thinks not only are hackers some of the smartest, most creative people around, but also that hacking will prove to be the most powerful tool for our tech-dominated future. And just like any powerful tool, it can be used constructively or destructively.

That’s why, according to Nico, it’s important to teach kids how to hack now, and encourage them to use their new-found talents for good.

Related
New experiment brings us closer to unbreakable quantum encryption
Researchers at Linkӧping University have built a quantum random number generator to be easier to integrate into consumer electronics.
Hackers get AI to share credit card info and endorse hate speech
At DEFCON 2023, ethical hackers targeted generative AIs by OpenAI, Google, and other tech leaders to aid responsible AI development.
New voice cloning AI lets “you” speak multiple languages
Voice cloning AIs are gaining more abilities, while the amount of audio needed to replicate a person’s voice is shrinking.
Deepfake audio has a tell – researchers use fluid dynamics to spot artificial imposter voices
Audio deepfakes potentially pose a huge threat, as people often communicate via phone calls, radio, and voice recordings.
Starlink satellites can be reverse-engineered to create new GPS
SpaceX’s Starlink satellite mega-constellation could be used to create a new, more secure global positioning system for the US Army.
Up Next
Subscribe to Freethink for more great stories