FC (Freaky Clown)

FC, widely known by his hacker handle Freakyclown, is an ethical hacker, social engineer, and global keynote speaker with three decades of experience in cybersecurity. While FC is his real name, he is often better recognized by his hacker handle, a name originally given to him during his school years that he has since adopted as a professional identity to educate others on cybersecurity issues. His career includes roles such as senior penetration tester, head of social engineering, and head of offensive cyber research at Raytheon Missile Systems, with expertise spanning physical, digital, and human security.

FC is co-founder of the cybersecurity company Cygenta, where he tests vulnerabilities in physical, personnel, and digital controls to help organizations strengthen their security posture. Cygenta operates on the principle that effective cybersecurity must address physical, digital, and human elements, acknowledging that even advanced digital defenses can be compromised if physical security is lacking. His experience at Raytheon informs his understanding of how nation states and the intelligence community use cyber weapons and the strategies required to defend against them.

FC has conducted penetration tests for hundreds of global banks, multinational corporations, and government agencies. He shares stories of security breaches, including lock-picking, simulated kidnappings, police pursuits, and bank intrusions, while providing insight into advancements in artificial intelligence and ongoing threats such as ransomware and phishing. His presentations address topics including artificial intelligence, ransomware, phishing, and the importance of comprehensive security systems.

FC is the author of the book "How I Rob Banks." In "How I Rob Banks: And Other Such Places," he discusses his work testing the limits of physical bank security, exploring the world of physical assessments, and detailing his experiences breaking into banks and secure government facilities to identify security vulnerabilities. He also co-founded the Surrey and Hampshire Hackspace and the Defcon 441452 (Gloucester) hacker group, demonstrating his commitment to supporting the cybersecurity community.

FC has delivered more than 50 keynotes at events including CPX360, CERN, and Intersec. He regularly appears in the media discussing cybersecurity topics, with features on BBC, ITV, and international outlets. His episode of the "Darknet Diaries" podcast has reached a wide audience. FC is dedicated to educating organizations and the public about cybersecurity, speaking at corporate events, security conferences, universities, and schools to teach the principles of security in the digital age.