The value in making mistakes: One hacker’s expert advice

Brandon Prince, known in the hacking community as syntax, is a seasoned hacker and Tech Engagement Manager at Bugcrowd, who seamlessly blends his passions for technology and music. His role involves bridging the gap between customers and hackers to enhance the value of crowdsourced security engagements, and his journey includes a rich history of participation in BSides events, where he both DJs and shares his experiences. BSides are community-driven cybersecurity events that provide an inclusive environment for learning and career advancement, with syntax emphasizing the importance of personal connections over formal presentations. His approach to security focuses on creativity and learning from errors, advocating for realistic expectations to prevent burnout. Beyond his security work, syntax continues to engage in music and plans to release an album by 2026, while advising the next generation of hackers to prioritize human connections and learn from the shared experiences within the hacking community.