Teen Hacker Turned Cybersecurity Advocate Shares What He’d Tell His Younger Self

When he was a teenager, Daniel Kelley immersed himself in online gaming and hacking forums. He started by seeking revenge after a rival’s DDOS attack. Then his curiosity spiraled into cybercrime — including blackmail and fraud. 

Kelley eventually faced justice. At age 19, he was charged in connection with a major telecom data breach and served prison time. 

While in prison, he had plenty of time to think. He realised his tech skills could serve society instead of harming it. Today, he works with cybersecurity firms and helps young people steer clear of the same path. 

Kelley warns: talent without direction is dangerous. He says his teenage mind lacked a supportive community and positive outlet. He advises: “Focus on where your intent takes you. If someone says laws don’t matter, that’s a red flag.” 

He adds that being young and isolated made him vulnerable to the wrong kind of peer validation, which pushed him into criminal activity without realising. Now he uses his story to warn others and show how change is possible.