In the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, one thing is certain — standing still is not an option. Continuous learning, community collaboration, and ethical innovation are the pillars of staying ahead. Few embody this mindset better than Carlos Polop, the creator of HackTricks, a go-to resource for cybersecurity professionals worldwide.
In a recent episode of the Security by Default podcast, I had the pleasure of welcoming Carlos back to the show. We explored his journey in cybersecurity, the origins of HackTricks, and how artificial intelligence — specifically large language models (LLMs) — is reshaping the landscape of ethical hacking.
From Personal Notes to Global Resource: The Story Behind HackTricks
What started as a personal learning project has grown into one of the most valuable open-source resources for ethical hackers and security practitioners. HackTricks began as Carlos’s way of organizing knowledge — a curated collection of attack techniques, privilege escalation methods, and security insights.
But it didn’t stay personal for long.
The cybersecurity community quickly recognized its value. Today, HackTricks is a trusted companion for thousands of learners, penetration testers, and defenders navigating the complex world of offensive and defensive security. It’s a testament to how knowledge sharing fuels growth — not just for individuals, but for the entire industry.
HackTricks AI — The Next Evolution
Carlos isn’t stopping with a wiki of techniques. His latest project, HackTricks AI, brings the power of artificial intelligence directly into the hands of security professionals. Built to assist with specific cybersecurity queries, HackTricks AI leverages LLMs to help users find vulnerabilities, automate tedious tasks, and accelerate their learning.
But Carlos is clear on one thing: AI is a tool, not a magic bullet.
“It’s about asking the right questions,” Carlos emphasized during our conversation. AI can amplify your capabilities, but understanding how to frame your queries and interpret results is critical — especially in a field as high-stakes as cybersecurity.
The Role of AI in Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity
AI and LLMs are already transforming how security professionals approach their work. From code review automation to vulnerability discovery, AI can dramatically increase efficiency. However, with this power comes responsibility.
Ethical considerations must lead the way. Carlos and I discussed the potential risks of AI misuse, the importance of transparency, and how ethical hackers play a crucial role in ensuring AI is used to strengthen — not undermine — security.
The future is promising, but it demands vigilance, clear boundaries, and constant learning.
Continuous Learning — The Non-Negotiable for Security Professionals
Whether you’re new to cybersecurity or a seasoned expert, the field requires relentless curiosity. Carlos exemplifies this with his ongoing efforts to develop new training resources, including upcoming courses focused on cloud security and privilege escalation — two areas increasingly targeted by attackers.
As AI automates certain tasks, the human element — critical thinking, ethical judgement, and creative problem-solving — becomes even more essential.
Final Thoughts: AI, Community, and the Future of Cybersecurity
HackTricks started with one person’s desire to learn. Today, it empowers an entire community. HackTricks AI is the next step — combining human expertise with machine intelligence to tackle today’s security challenges.
But as Carlos reminded us, success in cybersecurity isn’t just about tools or technology — it’s about ethics, community, and a commitment to continuous growth.
The future of AI in cybersecurity is here — and it’s up to all of us to ensure it remains a force for good.
🎧 Listen to the full episode with Carlos Polop on the Security by Default Podcast
💡Explore HackTricks at https://book.hacktricks.xyz/
🤖 Try HackTricks AI and see the future of ethical hacking in action.
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