How a single cyberattack transformed a developer into one of Web3’s leading cybersecurity advocates.

Sometimes, a single event can change the course of a career. For Eliezer Rabadon, now the CEO of DvCode Technologies Inc. and Tech Lead of ICP HUB Philippines, it was the moment his private server game development project was breached. Instead of backing down, he immersed himself in cybersecurity, transforming a setback into an opportunity to become one of Web3’s leading security advocates.

"I learned cybersecurity the hard way—our systems were hacked, exposing vulnerabilities I hadn’t anticipated."

What could have been a disaster instead became the catalyst for his deeper exploration into security. Recognizing the need to protect his own projects, he immersed himself in ethical hacking, eventually sharing his expertise to help secure the broader development community.

Now, as a cybersecurity strategist, Rabadon collaborates with organizations, law enforcement, and the tech industry to prevent threats. A Certified Smart Contract Developer and Meta-recognized ethical hacker, he also contributes to Manila Bulletin Tech News and PhilSTAR Tech, serves as President-elect of the Rotary Club of Midtown Diliman, and sits on the Board of Trustees for the Blockchain Council of the Philippines.

Ethical Hacking and Responsible Disclosure

Ethical hacking is often misunderstood, but for Rabadon, it is about integrity, trust, and proactive defense. Rather than exploiting security flaws for personal gain, white-hat hackers work to expose and fix them before they can be used maliciously. 

A critical part of this work is responsible disclosure, a process that ensures vulnerabilities are reported and resolved before they can be exploited.

"I collaborate with organizations and law enforcement by reporting vulnerabilities through bug bounty platforms or trusted connections who can directly reach the affected entity." 

By providing detailed replication steps, he ensures that security teams can effectively patch the issues before they pose risks to businesses or users.

This approach not only strengthens security but also fosters a culture of transparency and collaboration. Recognizing the contributions of ethical hackers in vulnerability detection is crucial for maintaining trust within the cybersecurity ecosystem.

The Overlooked Threat of Social Engineering

While traditional hacking techniques focus on breaking through digital defenses, Rabadon emphasizes that one of the biggest threats today doesn’t come from system flaws but rather from human vulnerabilities. Social engineering, the practice of manipulating people into revealing sensitive information or granting unauthorized access, has become a dominant attack vector, especially in the Web3 space.

"In the Web3 space, many security breaches originate from social engineering rather than technical exploits."

Phishing scams, SMS spoofing, and deepfake attacks have become more sophisticated, allowing attackers to bypass even the most advanced security measures simply by deceiving users.

The evolution of social engineering means that organizations must prioritize security awareness and education just as much as they invest in firewalls and encryption. Training employees, developers, and everyday users to recognize and avoid deceptive tactics is essential to preventing breaches.

The Hidden Security Risks That Organizations Ignore

Beyond direct cyberattacks, Rabadon highlights a crucial yet frequently overlooked cybersecurity risk: unintended data exposure. Often, organizations unknowingly expose sensitive information due to simple misconfigurations or careless practices.

"The common practice of sharing files with 'anyone with the link' on platforms like Google Drive or OneDrive can lead to unintended public exposure, as these links can be indexed by search engines."

Similarly, misconfigured .git repositories can leak critical development data, giving attackers the exact tools they need to exploit a system.

These small yet significant oversights can lead to major breaches, making it imperative for organizations to conduct regular security audits and enforce strict access controls.

Strengthening Cybersecurity for the Future

Rabadon’s journey from a developer who got hacked to a cybersecurity advocate demonstrates the importance of adaptability and learning from failures. His work in ethical hacking, social engineering awareness, and vulnerability disclosure continues to shape a safer digital landscape, particularly as Web3 and decentralized technologies gain traction.

"By fostering collaboration and awareness, we can collectively mitigate cybersecurity threats and build safer systems."

As digital threats evolve, so must our defenses. The best way forward is through education, proactive security measures, and a commitment to responsible cybersecurity practices. For Rabadon, his mission is clear: securing the digital world, one vulnerability at a time.