In the summer of 2023, Nathan Sportsman, the CEO of Praetorian, a renowned offensive security company, had a sobering realization – the cybersecurity industry was at risk of losing some of its foundational figures, the hackers and visionaries who shaped its early days. The passing of Kevin Mitnick served as a stark reminder to Sportsman that time was running out to capture and preserve the stories of these trailblazers.
Motivated by this sense of urgency, Sportsman embarked on a unique project to document the history of hackers and cybersecurity pioneers. Titled “Where Warlocks Stay Up Late,” the docuseries aimed to pay tribute to the early contributors of the field, much like the book “Where Wizards Stay Up Late” chronicled the origins of the Internet.
The project involved releasing monthly long-form video interviews on the Warlocks project’s YouTube channel, featuring candid conversations with cybersecurity pioneers who shared their technical accomplishments, personal challenges, and ethical dilemmas. The goal was to capture the stories of over 200 hackers who played a significant role in shaping the hacking scene of the 1980s and 1990s.
Led by Sportsman and his team of experts, including Emmy-winning producer Matthew Wallis and anthropologist Gabriella Coleman, the project sought to shed light on the contributions of groups like L0pht Heavy Industries, Chaos Computer Club, and the Legion of Doom. These pioneers were known for testifying before Congress, exposing vulnerabilities in wireless networks, and advocating for encryption.
Each interviewee was encouraged to bring a historical artifact that symbolized their journey in the hacking culture. The ultimate aim was to establish a physical museum, potentially at the Smithsonian, where these artifacts could be preserved for future generations.
The Warlocks project went beyond video interviews and artifacts; it aimed to create a comprehensive view of the cybersecurity industry’s origins. By supplementing the interviews with an encyclopedia and an anthropological map, the project sought to provide context and visual representation of the underground groups and their connections.
Coleman, a prominent figure in the study of hacker cultures, found the project fascinating, as it aligned with her research on hacking and online activism. The visual data, combined with written and oral histories, aimed to create a robust narrative that would help chart the transition from underground hacking to professional security.
As the project delved deeper into the history of hacking groups, it became evident that there were still untold stories waiting to be uncovered. The secrecy that had long shrouded the hacking scene underscored the importance of projects like Warlocks in preserving this unique cultural history.
The interviews conducted as part of the Warlocks project weren’t just about nostalgia; they aimed to educate the next generation of cybersecurity professionals about the industry’s roots and the collaborative nature of the hacking community. By highlighting the interconnectedness of hacker collectives worldwide, the project aimed to showcase how these groups transformed security into a critical priority.
Through projects like Warlocks, researchers hoped to unlock insights into other areas of technology, such as hacktivism, and shed light on the cultural dynamics and impacts of groups like the Cult of the Dead Cow.
As the Warlocks project continued to unfold, it became a testament to the rich history of hacking and cybersecurity. By preserving these stories and artifacts, Sportsman and his team were ensuring that the legacy of the early cybersecurity pioneers would endure for years to come.