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The Social-Engineer Team
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Shelby Dacko
Human Risk Analyst
Shelby Dacko
Human Risk Analyst
Shelby Dacko is a Human Risk Analyst with Social‐Engineer, LLC. Shelby’s specialties include vishing, OSINT work, and educational material production. She also enjoys public speaking and teaching. Shelby’s most recent speaking engagement was at InfoSec World where she delivered a riveting talk entitled, “Understanding Vishing from the Attackers Perspective.” She was also a highlighted panel member at DerbyCon: Finish Line, entitled “Vishing: Real Vs. Competition, What’s the Difference?”, where she spoke alongside Alethe Denis, Whitney Maxwell, Chris Silvers, and Colin Hadnagy.
In addition to her work at Social-Engineer, Shelby also volunteers for the Innocent Lives Foundation. The Innocent Lives Foundation is a nonprofit organization that unmasks anonymous online child predators to help bring them to justice.
Shelby Dacko is a certified Social Engineering Pentest Professional (SEPP), has her bachelor’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), and is a trained American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter.
Shelby defines social engineering as the act of using what you know about human behaviors to bring about your desired outcome.
“Social engineering can be beneficial when used to better understand and communicate with those around you.” — Shelby Dacko
In addition to her work at Social-Engineer, Shelby also volunteers for the Innocent Lives Foundation. The Innocent Lives Foundation is a nonprofit organization that unmasks anonymous online child predators to help bring them to justice.
Shelby Dacko is a certified Social Engineering Pentest Professional (SEPP), has her bachelor’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), and is a trained American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter.
Shelby defines social engineering as the act of using what you know about human behaviors to bring about your desired outcome.
“Social engineering can be beneficial when used to better understand and communicate with those around you.” — Shelby Dacko
Areesa Hadnagy
Sales Assistant
Areesa Hadnagy
Sales Assistant
Areesa Hadnagy is a sales assistant with Social-Engineer, LLC. In addition, she is our Events Coordinator and plays a supporting role in our Social Media Department.
Areesa’s background is in volunteer work, education, administration for a technology school, phone sales and personalized education while working with both the government and public sector.
Areesa loves helping people and takes an active interest in those around her. She is a passionate ambassador for The Innocent Lives Foundation. She is positive, happy and caring with a focus on leaving people always feeling better for having met her.
“Being in a family of social engineers I have learned the power that using communication can have to unite and solve problems and make people feel better.” – Areesa Hadnagy
Areesa loves helping people and takes an active interest in those around her. She is a passionate ambassador for The Innocent Lives Foundation. She is positive, happy and caring with a focus on leaving people always feeling better for having met her.
“Being in a family of social engineers I have learned the power that using communication can have to unite and solve problems and make people feel better.” – Areesa Hadnagy
Chris Hadnagy
CEO | Chief Human Hacker
Chris Hadnagy
CEO | Chief Human Hacker
Christopher Hadnagy is the founder and CEO of Social-Engineer, LLC. During Chris’ 17 years in the information security industry, he created the world’s first social engineering framework and newsletter, as well as hosted the first social engineering based podcast.
Chris is also a well-known author, having written five books on social engineering. Chris’ new book, “Human Hacking: Win Friends, Influence People and Leave Them Better Off for Having Met You”, released January 5, 2021.
Chris is an Adjunct Professor of Social Engineering for the University of Arizona’s NSA designated Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations (CAE-CO). He also lectures and teaches about social engineering around the globe. Moreover, he’s been invited to speak at the Pentagon, as well as other high secure facilities. Additionally, as the creator of the world’s first Social Engineering Capture the Flag (SECTF), Chris leads the way in educating people on this serious threat.
Chris works with some of the world’s leaders in scientific research for the purpose of acquiring a deeper understanding of social engineering. Notably, Chris authored a book with Dr. Paul Ekman regarding the use of nonverbal communication by social engineers.
Chris is certified as an Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) as well as an Offensive Security Wireless Professional (OSWP). He is also the creator of the Social Engineering Pentest Professional (SEPP), Certified Ethical Social Engineer (CESE) and Master’s Level Social Engineering (MLSE) Certifications.
“Understanding the ways humans make decisions is integral in everything we do from maintaining security to communicating with the people in your life. Social engineering skills, when used properly, can make your life so much better.” – Chris Hadnagy
Chris' published books include:
–Science of Human Hacking
–Unmasking the SE
–Phishing Dark Waters
–Science of Human Hacking 2nd Edition
–Human Hacking
Chris is also a well-known author, having written five books on social engineering. Chris’ new book, “Human Hacking: Win Friends, Influence People and Leave Them Better Off for Having Met You”, released January 5, 2021.
Chris is an Adjunct Professor of Social Engineering for the University of Arizona’s NSA designated Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations (CAE-CO). He also lectures and teaches about social engineering around the globe. Moreover, he’s been invited to speak at the Pentagon, as well as other high secure facilities. Additionally, as the creator of the world’s first Social Engineering Capture the Flag (SECTF), Chris leads the way in educating people on this serious threat.
Chris works with some of the world’s leaders in scientific research for the purpose of acquiring a deeper understanding of social engineering. Notably, Chris authored a book with Dr. Paul Ekman regarding the use of nonverbal communication by social engineers.
Chris is certified as an Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) as well as an Offensive Security Wireless Professional (OSWP). He is also the creator of the Social Engineering Pentest Professional (SEPP), Certified Ethical Social Engineer (CESE) and Master’s Level Social Engineering (MLSE) Certifications.
“Understanding the ways humans make decisions is integral in everything we do from maintaining security to communicating with the people in your life. Social engineering skills, when used properly, can make your life so much better.” – Chris Hadnagy
Chris' published books include:
–Science of Human Hacking
–Unmasking the SE
–Phishing Dark Waters
–Science of Human Hacking 2nd Edition
–Human Hacking
Curt Klump
Human Risk Analyst
Curt Klump
Human Risk Analyst
Curt Klump is a Human Risk Analyst with Social-Engineer, LLC. Curt is also a jack-of-all-trades. As such, he has a measure of expertise in acting, directing and music. Curt also has experience in construction, as well as bio-manufacturing. In addition, Curt has assisted a small group of beginning actors and flooring installers as a teacher, trainer, and mentor.
Presently, Curt Klump lives somewhere in the north and prefers the cold.
“Malicious actors and predators understand how to hijack our natural instincts. They use this to influence us into actions that are to our detriment.” — Curt Klump
Presently, Curt Klump lives somewhere in the north and prefers the cold.
“Malicious actors and predators understand how to hijack our natural instincts. They use this to influence us into actions that are to our detriment.” — Curt Klump
Jason Kozak
Vice President of Sales
Jason Kozak
Vice President of Sales
Jason is responsible for sales growth and strategic planning, by providing his years of enterprise technology sales experience and leadership. He has served as a trusted resource and consultant to corporate IT & security teams since 2004, and believes strongly in customer relationships.
“Our clients seek us out for our expertise and trust us with their critical information. I take that responsibility very seriously.” — Jason Kozak
“Our clients seek us out for our expertise and trust us with their critical information. I take that responsibility very seriously.” — Jason Kozak
Patrick Laverty
Senior Team Lead
Patrick Laverty
Senior Team Lead
Patrick Laverty is the Senior Team Lead at Social Engineer, LLC. He created the world-renowned Layer 8 Conference and hosts the Layer 8 Podcast focusing on social engineering, and OSINT topics engaging with experts from around the world. He has presented on a variety of security topics at many conferences including BSides conferences in Boston, New York, Connecticut, Maryland, and the IT Expo in Manchester, England, and RSA Asia.
Ryan MacDougall
Chief Operating Officer
Ryan MacDougall
Chief Operating Officer
Ryan MacDougall is a subject matter expert in the areas of network penetration testing, application security, protocol analysis, as well as social engineering. Ryan directed technical operations, as well as built and secured large networks for the financial and telecommunications industries. During his 10 years running operations in a company that grew through M&A activities, acquiring, integrating, as well as standardizing operations, Ryan developed a deep understanding as well as insight into fundamental flaws present in a wide variety of enterprise environments.
Ryan is certified as an Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), as well a Social Engineering Pentest Professional (SEPP), and Master’s Level Social Engineer (MLSE). He has also held the GIAC Web Application Penetration Tester (GWAPT) certification.
“Social engineering training is helpful to educate others in the tactics of malicious individuals. As a result, they can better defend important and/or confidential information from those who should not have it.”— Ryan MacDougall
Ryan MacDougall is presently the Chief Operating Officer and Masters Level Social Engineering trainer for Social-Engineer, LLC. In addition, he runs operations during adversary simulations and exercises with clients, as well as managing client relationships. Additionally, Ryan is also a multiyear public and private trainer and speaker, regarding social engineering, open source intelligence gathering, and security awareness.
Ryan is certified as an Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), as well a Social Engineering Pentest Professional (SEPP), and Master’s Level Social Engineer (MLSE). He has also held the GIAC Web Application Penetration Tester (GWAPT) certification.
“Social engineering training is helpful to educate others in the tactics of malicious individuals. As a result, they can better defend important and/or confidential information from those who should not have it.”— Ryan MacDougall
Ryan MacDougall is presently the Chief Operating Officer and Masters Level Social Engineering trainer for Social-Engineer, LLC. In addition, he runs operations during adversary simulations and exercises with clients, as well as managing client relationships. Additionally, Ryan is also a multiyear public and private trainer and speaker, regarding social engineering, open source intelligence gathering, and security awareness.
Amanda Marchuck
Online Content Manager
Amanda Marchuck
Online Content Manager
Amanda Marchuck has been a part of Social-Engineer, LLC since its beginning. As a matter of fact, she was the very first employee the company hired. Over the years she has been with the company she has done everything from administrative duties to social media management. She is now the online content manager, managing and writing the content published by Social-Engineer. She also has managed the SEVillage events at Defcon throughout the years.
Through all of that she has excelled at contributing high quality content to both the social media and web-based platforms for both Social-Engineer.com and Social-Engineer.org. Her detailed orientated and hardworking nature has helped her contribute to the company’s ongoing success. When she is not at work, you can find her chilling with her family, saving cats who get trapped under boats.
“For myself, in my personal life, applying social engineering to personal relationships helps me to realize the thought process of people.” — Amanda Marchuck
Through all of that she has excelled at contributing high quality content to both the social media and web-based platforms for both Social-Engineer.com and Social-Engineer.org. Her detailed orientated and hardworking nature has helped her contribute to the company’s ongoing success. When she is not at work, you can find her chilling with her family, saving cats who get trapped under boats.
“For myself, in my personal life, applying social engineering to personal relationships helps me to realize the thought process of people.” — Amanda Marchuck
Dr. Abbie Maroño
Director of Education
Dr. Abbie Maroño
Director of Education
Dr. Abbie Maroño is both a scientist and a practitioner in the field of human behavior, bringing a unique level of experience and scientific validation to her work. Abbie published her first peer-reviewed research paper at the age of 19 and went on to become a Professor of Psychology at academic institutions by the age of 23. Abbie completed her PhD in behavior analysis, specifically looking at how we can use nonverbal communication to influence closeness, cooperation, and information elicitation. During this time, Abbie developed nonverbal training protocols that can be used to increase cooperation of an interaction partner and third-party observers.
Abbie is now the Director of Education at Social-Engineer, LLC, a keynote speaker, an associate of JNForensics llc, and an expert consultant and advisor. As well as this, she lecturers at academic institutions, and is an active member of internationally respected research groups, including CREST (Centre for Research and Evidence on Security Threats) and ReBSA (Researchers in Behaviour Sequence Analysis), collaborating on several cross-disciplinary research projects into behavior analysis. In 2020, Abbie was awarded “Reviewer of the year” for her continued dedication to scientific best-practice.
Abbie also provides expert consulting and speaking in areas such as establishing trust, cooperation, interpersonal skills training, and nonverbal communication.
Abbie is now the Director of Education at Social-Engineer, LLC, a keynote speaker, an associate of JNForensics llc, and an expert consultant and advisor. As well as this, she lecturers at academic institutions, and is an active member of internationally respected research groups, including CREST (Centre for Research and Evidence on Security Threats) and ReBSA (Researchers in Behaviour Sequence Analysis), collaborating on several cross-disciplinary research projects into behavior analysis. In 2020, Abbie was awarded “Reviewer of the year” for her continued dedication to scientific best-practice.
Abbie also provides expert consulting and speaking in areas such as establishing trust, cooperation, interpersonal skills training, and nonverbal communication.
Kazuyuki Nishi
Chief Administrative Officer
Kazuyuki Nishi
Chief Administrative Officer
Kazuyuki Nishi is the Chief Administrative Officer of Social Engineer, LLC. He joined the Social-Engineer, LLC Team in 2015. With 13+ years of experience as a senior engineer for a global company, Kazuyuki brings strong technical, organizational, and problem-solving skills from outside the security space.
“Social engineering, very broadly, is the act of influencing others. It has been a fascination of mine for awhile. Though I am an engineer at heart, I find the skills needed in this field valuable. Not just for security education, but also for developing meaningful relationships that last a lifetime.” — Kazuyuki Nishi
Kazuyuki Nishi has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology. He also has an Associates in Engineering Technology in Telecommunications Technology from the Pennsylvania State University. Additionally, Kazuyuki is a graduate of the Advanced Practical Social Engineering class.
“Social engineering, very broadly, is the act of influencing others. It has been a fascination of mine for awhile. Though I am an engineer at heart, I find the skills needed in this field valuable. Not just for security education, but also for developing meaningful relationships that last a lifetime.” — Kazuyuki Nishi
Kazuyuki Nishi has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology. He also has an Associates in Engineering Technology in Telecommunications Technology from the Pennsylvania State University. Additionally, Kazuyuki is a graduate of the Advanced Practical Social Engineering class.
Josten Peña
Human Risk Analyst
Josten Peña
Human Risk Analyst
Josten Peña is a Human Risk Analyst with Social-Engineer, LLC. As a professional visher, Josten uses the same social engineering tactics as an attacker would. By doing so, he trains clients to become better equipped should a real attack arise. His work as a professional visher, providing assistance through education, enables Josten to help other people; something that he enjoys doing.
Josten holds experience in many different occupations. His experience includes working as a Collections Agent, Door to Door Salesman, and even in the Hospitality Industry. Though these occupations are very different, one commonality Josten honed in on is how to effectively connect with people and build rapport. Valuable skills which he uses in his current job.
In his off time, Josten enjoys exploring small towns with his wife, collecting magazines and listening to movie soundtracks. He enjoys science fiction movies and is also a big fan of the Reality Competition Show “Survivor,” which he one day hopes to compete on.
“Social Engineering is a powerful tool that in reality, anyone is able to master. However, how you use that tool is what matters the most. Those that may try to use social engineering with malicious intent will do so ruthlessly. Which is why it is our job to use it for the greater good in helping others to protect themselves and finding vulnerabilities that someone with ill intent may try to exploit.” – Josten Peña
Josten holds experience in many different occupations. His experience includes working as a Collections Agent, Door to Door Salesman, and even in the Hospitality Industry. Though these occupations are very different, one commonality Josten honed in on is how to effectively connect with people and build rapport. Valuable skills which he uses in his current job.
In his off time, Josten enjoys exploring small towns with his wife, collecting magazines and listening to movie soundtracks. He enjoys science fiction movies and is also a big fan of the Reality Competition Show “Survivor,” which he one day hopes to compete on.
“Social Engineering is a powerful tool that in reality, anyone is able to master. However, how you use that tool is what matters the most. Those that may try to use social engineering with malicious intent will do so ruthlessly. Which is why it is our job to use it for the greater good in helping others to protect themselves and finding vulnerabilities that someone with ill intent may try to exploit.” – Josten Peña
Samantha Peña
Assistant Project Manager
Samantha Peña
Assistant Project Manager
Samantha Peña is a Human Risk Analyst and Assistant Project Manager for Social Engineer, LLC, joining the team in 2020.
Originally from Puerto Rico, Samantha relocated to the United States in 2007. She earned her degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, with a focus in Health and Behavioral Sciences. She also earned a minor in Anthropology from the University of Central Florida. Samantha’s interest in Human Behavior was the driving force through most of her education. However, it was her experiences while participating in medical mission trips, various leadership positions in national health organizations, as well as work within the medical field that took her interest in Human Behavior a step further. After her education and work in the medical field, she is now excited to start a new career in Social Engineering.
Samantha Peña enjoys spending time with her family. She especially enjoys showing her son the natural wonders and beauty of the world. In addition, Samantha enjoys exercising as well as singing and hiking. Samantha is also spending time studying for the law school entrance exam.
Originally from Puerto Rico, Samantha relocated to the United States in 2007. She earned her degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, with a focus in Health and Behavioral Sciences. She also earned a minor in Anthropology from the University of Central Florida. Samantha’s interest in Human Behavior was the driving force through most of her education. However, it was her experiences while participating in medical mission trips, various leadership positions in national health organizations, as well as work within the medical field that took her interest in Human Behavior a step further. After her education and work in the medical field, she is now excited to start a new career in Social Engineering.
Samantha Peña enjoys spending time with her family. She especially enjoys showing her son the natural wonders and beauty of the world. In addition, Samantha enjoys exercising as well as singing and hiking. Samantha is also spending time studying for the law school entrance exam.
Rosa Rowles
Human Risk Analyst
Rosa Rowles
Human Risk Analyst
Rosa Rowles is a Human Risk Analyst for Social-Engineer, LLC. Originally from Spain, Rosa relocated to the U.S in 2000. After working in hospitality for over 20 years, Rosa is excited to start a new career in the field of social engineering. She is also eager to see what her new career holds as she works alongside the best in the field of social engineering. Additionally, psychology and human behavior fascinate Rosa, and she also looks forward to expanding her knowledge in these fields.
During her time off Rosa enjoys hanging out at the beach with her family. She also enjoys going to museums and antique shops. Rosa loves to sing and read books about psychology/personal development. Additionally, she also enjoys Victorian mystery novels.
“By acting out a malicious attack, we give companies the opportunity to assess their level of security…” — Rosa Rowles
During her time off Rosa enjoys hanging out at the beach with her family. She also enjoys going to museums and antique shops. Rosa loves to sing and read books about psychology/personal development. Additionally, she also enjoys Victorian mystery novels.
“By acting out a malicious attack, we give companies the opportunity to assess their level of security…” — Rosa Rowles