> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.cybrsecmedia.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # CYBR.HAK.CAST Episode 12: Fergus Hay of The Hacking Games - URL: https://www.cybrsecmedia.com/cybr-hak-cast-episode-12-fergus-hay-of-the-hacking-games/ - Published: 2026-04-14T13:05:30.000Z - Updated: 2026-04-15T14:10:54.000Z - Description: Phil Wylie and Michael Farnum talk with Fergus Hay about how the cybersecurity industry is missing a huge opportunity by overlooking gamers and young, neurodiverse problem-solvers who already have the mindset to become the next generation of ethical hackers. - Author: Bill Brenner - Tags: CYBR.HAK.CAST, podcast, Gaming Security, risk, Leadership In this episode of CYBR.HAK.CAST, hosts [Phil Wylie](https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillipwylie/?ref=cybrsecmedia.com) and [Michael Farnum](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfarnum/?ref=cybrsecmedia.com) sit down with [Fergus Hay](https://www.linkedin.com/in/fergus-hay-013a41/?ref=cybrsecmedia.com), CEO and co-founder of [The Hacking Games](https://www.thehackinggames.com/?ref=cybrsecmedia.com), to explore how the cybersecurity industry is overlooking a massive pool of untapped talent: young gamers. Hay shares how his journey began not from a technical background but from concern as a parent, after learning that many cybercriminals are recruited from gaming communities. The conversation dives into the need to reframe hacking as a creative, problem-solving mindset rather than purely criminal behavior, the strong overlap between gamers and hackers, and why traditional cybersecurity training fails to connect with Gen Z. Together, they discuss how engaging kids within gaming environments — rather than restricting them — can help guide them toward ethical hacking and ultimately strengthen the future cybersecurity workforce. [Subscribe to the CYBR.SEC.Media newsletter](#/portal/signup/free) ## **SHOW NOTES:** **Things Mentioned:** - **The Hacking Games:** [https://www.thehackinggames.com/](https://www.thehackinggames.com/?ref=cybrsecmedia.com) - **Upcoming CYBR.SEC.Community events:** - **CYBR.SEC.Careers:** [https://www.linkedin.com/company/cybr-sec-careers/about/](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cybr-sec-careers/about/?ref=cybrsecmedia.com) **fundraisers:** - **Cards for a Cause:** [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cybr-sec-careers\_cybrseccareers-nonprofit-cybersecurity-activity-7436794892787359744-v4Cz](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cybr-sec-careers%5Fcybrseccareers-nonprofit-cybersecurity-activity-7436794892787359744-v4Cz?utm%5Fsource=share&utm%5Fmedium=member%5Fdesktop&rcm=ACoAAAAznX8BNRuE7M9-TAcZRXWBU%5FxVm1GyipA) - **CYBR CLAY SHOOT:** [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cybr-sec-careers\_cybrclayshoot-cybersecurity-cybercareers-activity-7435353518951084033-1iw9](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cybr-sec-careers%5Fcybrclayshoot-cybersecurity-cybercareers-activity-7435353518951084033-1iw9?utm%5Fsource=share&utm%5Fmedium=member%5Fdesktop&rcm=ACoAAAAznX8BNRuE7M9-TAcZRXWBU%5FxVm1GyipA) - Proceeds support CYBR.SEC.Careers mission is to build a strong, diverse workforce by providing career exposure, access to education and certifications, and mentorship for students and veterans pursuing careers in cybersecurity. ## **Episode 12 Timestamps:** **0:00 – 1:25** Intro, conference chatter, Zero Trust World recap, RSA mentions **1:25 – 3:30** Guest intro: Fergus Hay + early discussion about hacker culture and community **3:30 – 5:00** CYBR.HAK.CON promotion (lineup, CFPs, community focus) **5:00 – 7:30** Fergus origin story + founding of The Hacking Games - Not technical background - Parental motivation - Discovery: kids are being groomed via gaming platforms **7:30 – 9:30** Parenting + real-world exposure - Controlled gaming environments still vulnerable - Grooming reality - Question: regulate vs guide kids **9:30 – 12:00** Reframing hacking - Media failure - “Hacker = criminal” narrative problem - Hacking as a *mindset*, not a crime **12:00 – 14:00** Gamers = hackers pipeline - Pattern recognition - Neurodiversity - Alan Turing + Enigma analogy **14:00 – 16:00** Gaming as a training ground - 3.2B gamers - 93% of Gen Z gaming - “Gaming is a live laboratory” **16:00 – 18:30** The Hacking Games model - Gen Z teaching Gen Z - Authenticity over corporate training - Youth-led cybersecurity education **18:30 – 21:00** Tactile vs digital learning - Puzzles, escape rooms, physical problem-solving - Bridging analog + digital thinking Do you have a question for the hosts? Reach out to us at [media@cscgroupllc.com](mailto:media@cscgroupllc.com) **Keep up with CYBR.SEC.CON.:** - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cybrseccon/?ref=cybrsecmedia.com) - [X](https://twitter.com/cybrseccon?ref=cybrsecmedia.com) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/cybrseccon) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/cybrsecmedia?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fweb%5Fbutton%5Fshare%5Fsheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==) **Keep up with CYBR.SEC.Media:** - [LinkedIn](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2237227?ref=cybrsecmedia.com) - [X](https://x.com/CYBRSECMedia?ref=cybrsecmedia.com) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575273111032) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/cybrsecmedia?igsh=ZjJ0ZHF1ejJ5NGo2&utm%5Fsource=qr) **Check out our Conferences and Events:** - [CYBR.SEC.CON.](https://www.cybrseccon.com/?ref=cybrsecmedia.com) - [OT.SEC.CON.](https://www.otseccon.com/?ref=cybrsecmedia.com) - [CYBR.HAK.CON.](https://www.cybrhakcon.com/?ref=cybrsecmedia.com) - [EXEC.SEC.CON.](https://www.execseccon.com/?ref=cybrsecmedia.com) - [CSC User Group](https://www.cscusergroup.com/?ref=cybrsecmedia.com) **Support or apply to our Scholarship Program:** - [TAB Cyber Foundation](https://www.tabcyberfoundation.org/?ref=cybrsecmedia.com) **Subscribe to the podcast:** - [Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hou-sec-cast/id1696627734?ref=cybrsecmedia.com) - [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/0h5ahb8oI1nAhGNI5IF4hE?si=d3c5ad65f13b4516&ref=cybrsecmedia.com) **In this episode:** - Host: [Michael Farnum](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfarnum/?ref=cybrsecmedia.com) - Host: [Phillip Wylie](https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillipwylie/?ref=cybrsecmedia.com) - Guest: [Fergus Hay](https://www.linkedin.com/in/fergus-hay-013a41/?ref=cybrsecmedia.com) - Production and editing:[ Lauren Andrus](https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmandrus/?ref=cybrsecmedia.com) - Music by: [August Honey](https://soundcloud.com/augusthoney?ref=clipboard&p=i&c=0&si=1D9EA956C1414292B232FF4438A8B8F8&utm%5Fsource=clipboard&utm%5Fmedium=text&utm%5Fcampaign=social%5Fsharing) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ab/67/ab676516-71e3-473d-8f73-9e0692f5aaee/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-27-at-8.47.35---AM.png)](https://www.cybrsecmedia.com/conference/)