Erik de Jong is a cybersecurity expert with a passion for securing the internet. He trained as an electrical engineer, specializing in embedded systems and communication between computer systems, before transitioning to a career in cybersecurity. Erik's interest in hacking began at age 7 when his dad taught him how to write simple computer programs. He has been researching and writing exploits on and off for about 15 years, with a significant portion of that time spent working as a part-time hacker. Erik credits bug bounties with having a major impact on his life, allowing him to buy a house and pursue his passion for cybersecurity. When not hunting for bugs, Erik works full-time as a security engineer at an internet service provider, where he is responsible for the overall security of the organization. He finds joy in finding ways to apply technical solutions to improve human behavior and workflow. Despite the challenges of managing expectations with vendors and avoiding burnout, Erik remains committed to personal growth and staying motivated through planning and self-care. With a focus on learning new skills, including reverse engineering software written in Go and serverless computing, Erik is always looking for ways to challenge himself and stay engaged in the cybersecurity community.