Len Noe
Summary
Len Noe is a globally recognised author, cybersecurity expert, white hat hacker, and biohacker, currently serving as a Technical Evangelist for CyberArk. Over the past 29 years, he has built a career in web development, system engineering, architecture, and coding, with a focus on information security for the past decade. Before joining CyberArk, Noe worked as a Tier III Support Technician at ADP and Sr. Support Technician at WestNet Technology Group. He began his career with extensive experience in the Detroit tech community, gaining practical knowledge as a Black/Grey Hat Hacker before transitioning to ethical hacking in 2001.
Noe is distinguished by his use of biohacking techniques. With 10 microchips implanted in his body, he refers to himself as a "transhuman" and uses these implants to conduct cybersecurity research and raise awareness about emerging threats. His implants enable him to bypass physical security protocols and interact with over 300 different access systems, including RFID and NFC technology. Noe has become a well-known figure in the transhuman movement and uses his body as a research tool to demonstrate the risks and potential of human augmentation in cybersecurity.
As an international speaker, Noe has presented at major security conferences in more than 50 countries. Noe is also the host of The Cyber Cognition Podcast, where he discusses the intersection of humanity and technology with co-host Hutch. The podcast delves into topics like innovation, science, and cybersecurity, offering listeners an in-depth look into the rapidly changing tech landscape.
In October 2024, Noe published his book, Human Hacked: My Life and Lessons as the World's First Augmented Ethical Hacker, through Wiley. The book provides insights into bio-implants, cybersecurity risks, and defences, offering guidance for both individuals and organisations on how to protect against evolving threats. It also explores the legal and ethical complexities surrounding human augmentation technologies.
Noe's education includes several certifications and training programs. He completed the SANS GPEN certification in Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking in 2016 and took advanced SANS courses in 2022. His technical skills are further supported by certifications from New Horizons Computer Learning Centers, including Citrix Network Administrator and Solaris Unix System Administration, as well as his studies in Computer Aided Drafting at Henry Ford College.
Biography
Len Noe was born in the United States and grew up in Detroit. His early life was marked by a rough upbringing, spending 15 years in various biker gangs, which exposed him to a world where he began developing hacking skills. In his early years, he operated as a Black/Grey Hat Hacker, learning much of his trade through practical experience. This hands-on approach laid the foundation for his deep understanding of hacking and security systems. Around 2001, Noe decided to move away from illegal activities and channel his skills into ethical hacking, making the transition to working for legitimate purposes.
Noe’s formal education began with studies in Computer Aided Drafting and Design at Henry Ford College, where he attended from 1990 to 1995. He later pursued several technical certifications to expand his expertise. In 2007, he completed courses in System Administration Solaris 10 and LAN/WAN management at New Horizons Computer Learning Centers. He continued to acquire skills, becoming a Citrix Network Administrator and receiving additional training in Solaris Unix. His education also includes the SANS GPEN certification for Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking in 2016, and he later completed an advanced SANS 660 course in 2022.
From 2007 to 2009, Noe worked as a Senior Support Technician at WestNet Technology Group, providing IT support and gaining more practical experience in system administration and networking. He then moved on to ADP, where he worked as Tier III Support from 2009 to 2014. During his time at ADP, Noe honed his technical skills and continued to build his reputation in the information technology space.
In July 2014, Noe joined CyberArk, a leading cybersecurity company, where he has worked for over a decade. Initially, he began as a Global Enablement Engineer, but his role evolved to become the company's Technical Evangelist and White Hat Hacker. Noe is recognised for his groundbreaking work in biohacking, where he has implanted 10 microchips in his body, enabling him to conduct unique cybersecurity research. These implants allow him to bypass physical and digital security systems and engage with various technologies, such as RFID and NFC. His research has gained significant attention in the cybersecurity world, particularly for highlighting the growing intersection between biology and technology.
Over the years, Noe has travelled to over 50 countries, giving presentations and sharing his knowledge at international security conferences. He has become an important voice in the fields of ethical hacking, cybersecurity, and biohacking. His presentations focus on emerging security risks, particularly those posed by human augmentation and the vulnerabilities that arise when integrating technology into the human body.
In addition to his work at CyberArk, Noe has authored a book titled Human Hacked: My Life and Lessons as the World’s First Augmented Ethical Hacker. Published in October 2024 by Wiley, the book explores his journey as an augmented hacker and provides detailed insights into bio-implants and the evolving world of cybersecurity. It also offers practical advice for individuals and organisations on how to protect themselves in a world where technology is increasingly merging with the human body. The book is a comprehensive resource on the subject of biohacking and serves as a guide for understanding the cybersecurity risks that come with human augmentation.
Noe is also the co-host of The Cyber Cognition Podcast, where he discusses the relationship between humanity and technology, covering a range of topics such as artificial intelligence, ethical hacking, and the future of cybersecurity. His insights on these topics have been published in numerous global media outlets, making him a recognised thought leader in his field.
Currently, Noe continues his work at CyberArk as a Technical Evangelist. He remains actively involved in cybersecurity research, focusing on the integration of human augmentation with security systems. He regularly speaks at conferences and on podcasts, sharing his findings on the future of cybersecurity in a world where technology and biology are increasingly intertwined. Noe is also involved in various community activities, including supporting the Autism Society and contributing to information security communities in Texas.
Vision
Len Noe’s vision is to advance the understanding of cybersecurity by exploring the intersection between human biology and technology. As a biohacker and cybersecurity expert, he aims to raise awareness of the growing security risks posed by human augmentation. He believes that as technology becomes more integrated with the human body, society must adapt to new challenges. Noe’s focus is on educating both individuals and organisations about these emerging threats while promoting ethical hacking practices to build safer systems. His goal is to ensure that technology can be used responsibly and securely in the future.
Recognition and Awards
He was a presenter at C.E.R.T. EU, issued by European Ministries, and at the prestigious One Conference, held at The Hague. He was also awarded SE of the Year by CyberArk Software, acknowledging his outstanding performance in the field. In addition to these achievements, Noe is an active member of key organisations, including the Austin Hacker's Association, ISACA, and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, where he continues to contribute to the advancement of cybersecurity and ethical hacking.
References
- Len Noe - CyberArk| LinkedIn
- Meet Len: The hacker with 10 implants in his body| The Sydney Morning Herald
- Len Noe| RSA Conference
- Human Hacked: My Life and Lessons as the World's First .| Amazon.com
- Len Noe HaCkEr_213's Speaker Profile| Sessionize
- "Transhuman" Hacker. Using His Body For Security | SoundCloud
- Len Noe's Post| LinkedIn
- Len Noe (@hacker_213) / X| X
- The cyborg hacker who can infiltrate your phone or office | London Evening Standard
- Meet Len: The Offensive Hacker With 10 Microchips| Cybercrime Magazine
- Len Noe: World's First Augmented Hacker - Phillip Wylie Show| phillipwylieshow.com
- Speaker Profile: Len Noe | EIC 2021| KuppingerCole
- Len Noe - Technical Evangelist/Whitehat Hacker, CyberArk| Infosecurity Magazine