From a notorious cybercriminal to one of the wealthiest ethical “bounty hunters” in the world, a white hat hacker recently shared his captivating transformation in an exclusive interview with MailOnline. Tommy DeVoss, known by his alias “dawgyg,” has earned over $2 million (£1.6 million) by exploiting vulnerabilities in major companies’ computer systems and reporting them to strengthen cybersecurity. Popular platforms such as HackerOne allow ethical hackers to use their skills for the greater good. Tommy even received an astonishing $180,000 (£147,000) payout in a single day for assisting Yahoo, making him one of the few hackers to reach the $2 million milestone. His journey from the dark side hasn’t been without obstacles, as he faced federal prison three times due to his previous illegal activities. However, he has now turned his life around and is considered one of the most successful ethical hackers globally.
Tommy DeVoss, also known as “dawgyg,” who has exploited numerous high-profile targets for financial gain, now refers to himself as a white hat hacker (ethical security researcher) after turning over a new leaf in his career. He has worked with various esteemed organizations, including Yahoo, Uber, X (formerly Twitter), and even the US Government. By utilizing platforms like HackerOne, white hat hackers can identify vulnerabilities in computer systems, helping to strengthen security measures. One of the most significant achievements for Tommy was receiving a jaw-dropping $180,000 (£147,000) payout from Yahoo in a single day. This talented hacker, only in his late thirties, has accumulated an impressive fortune of $2 million (£1.6 million) thanks to his ethical endeavors.
Born and raised in Virginia, Tommy has come a long way from his tumultuous past, which led to his federal imprisonment on three separate occasions. As a notorious black hat hacker, his criminal activities involved defacing websites and engaging in various other illicit acts, such as stealing personal information and credit card details. However, boredom was the driving force behind his actions, leading him to exploit tens of thousands of governments, militaries, and corporations, including renowned names like Nokia, Sony, and Mercedes-Benz. In one instance, Tommy managed to breach the security of 700 companies within just five minutes after hacking into a hosting provider. Unfortunately, these activities caught the attention of law enforcement agencies, resulting in his arrest and subsequent convictions, most notably for breaking into US military computers.
Tommy vividly recalls the day FBI agents raided his residence with full force, leaving him fearing the worst for his future. He spent several years in prison, facing months of solitary confinement and limited communication with the outside world. Life behind bars was challenging, but it also gave him time for introspection and self-discovery. Tommy realized that legal hacking opportunities, known as bug bounties, were a viable option for him to redirect his skills toward ethical pursuits.
Bug bounty programs, offered by various organizations and websites, reward individuals for identifying and reporting security flaws in computer systems. In 2019 alone, Google paid an astonishing $12 million (£9.8 million) to 703 researchers as part of their bug bounty initiative. By fixing nearly 3,000 vulnerabilities, the renowned tech company significantly enhanced its security measures. Tommy eventually learned about these programs and how they provided an opportunity for him to use his hacking skills legally. HackerOne, a leading US-based firm, served as a platform for hosting numerous bug bounty programs and educating individuals interested in ethical hacking.
While Tommy now holds a position as a Staff Security Engineer at Braze, a US-based company, he used to spend 10 to 20 hours per month participating in bug bounty programs. This dedication allowed him to earn approximately $100,000 (£81,000) per year. He has managed to successfully hack into the computer systems of the US Government, Yahoo, Uber, and various other firms through ethical programs like those hosted on HackerOne. Thanks to his newfound lawful employment, Tommy was able to purchase a laptop for his seven-year-old daughter, who aspires to follow in her father’s footsteps and become an ethical hacker herself.
Tommy advises aspiring ethical hackers to persevere in the face of failure. He explains that for every successful report, there are countless failures, making resilience a crucial trait in this field. Although bug bounty programs are becoming more challenging due to increased competition, the constant learning and potential earnings make it a worthwhile pursuit. Tommy’s story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that even those with a troubled past can turn their lives around and contribute significantly to cybersecurity. The FBI declined to comment on Tommy DeVoss’s criminal history, and it’s worth noting that his records were redacted by the US military in 2016.
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