CYBR.HAK.CAST Episode 12: Fergus Hay of The Hacking Games

In this episode of CYBR.HAK.CAST, hosts Phil Wylie and Michael Farnum sit down with Fergus Hay, CEO and co-founder of The Hacking Games, 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.SHOW NOTES:Things Mentioned:The Hacking Games: https://www.thehackinggames.com/Upcoming CYBR.SEC.Community events: https://www.cybrsecmedia.com/conference/CYBR.SEC.Careers: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cybr-sec-careers/about/ fundraisers:Cards for a Cause: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cybr-sec-careers_cybrseccareers-nonprofit-cybersecurity-activity-7436794892787359744-v4CzCYBR CLAY SHOOT: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cybr-sec-careers_cybrclayshoot-cybersecurity-cybercareers-activity-7435353518951084033-1iw9Proceeds 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 – 1:25Intro, conference chatter, Zero Trust World recap, RSA mentions1:25 – 3:30Guest intro: Fergus Hay + early discussion about hacker culture and community3:30 – 5:00CYBR.HAK.CON promotion (lineup, CFPs, community focus)5:00 – 7:30Fergus origin story + founding of The Hacking GamesNot technical backgroundParental motivationDiscovery: kids are being groomed via gaming platforms7:30 – 9:30Parenting + real-world exposureControlled gaming environments still vulnerableGrooming realityQuestion: regulate vs guide kids9:30 – 12:00Reframing hackingMedia failure“Hacker = criminal” narrative problemHacking as a mindset, not a crime12:00 – 14:00Gamers = hackers pipelinePattern recognitionNeurodiversityAlan Turing + Enigma analogy14:00 – 16:00Gaming as a training ground3.2B gamers93% of Gen Z gaming“Gaming is a live laboratory”16:00 – 18:30The Hacking Games modelGen Z teaching Gen ZAuthenticity over corporate trainingYouth-led cybersecuri