Belgian cybersecurity expert Inti De Ceukelaire never set out with the goal of becoming a hacker. Yet over time, his curiosity and determination transformed him into one of Europe’s most recognized figures in ethical hacking.
Today, De Ceukelaire serves as Chief Hacking Officer at Intigriti, a major bug bounty platform where he has worked for seven years. But his journey into the cybersecurity world began much earlier—when he was just a teenager discovering software vulnerabilities for the first time.
Unlike many hackers who say curiosity drives their work, De Ceukelaire describes a different motivation. Rather than simply wanting to understand how systems operate, he was driven by the challenge of overcoming limitations imposed by machines.
“When a computer said ‘No,’ my response was always, ‘Let’s see about that,’” he once explained, describing the thrill of beating technical obstacles.
The First Discovery That Changed Everything
De Ceukelaire realized his talent at 15 years old when he discovered several vulnerabilities in services operated by Google. After reporting the flaws through responsible disclosure channels, Google engineers acknowledged the findings and quickly fixed them.
For the young student, the experience was transformative.
Communicating directly with professional engineers at a global tech giant made him feel, for the first time, like his skills mattered in the real world.
Shortly afterward, he discovered another vulnerability—this time on a website connected to the legendary metal band Metallica. After reporting the issue responsibly, the band invited him on stage during a concert and signed his keyboard, creating one of the most memorable moments of his early hacking career.
When Ethical Hacking Meets Legal Risk
Despite always trying to avoid causing harm, De Ceukelaire’s work occasionally led to legal complications. In one instance roughly a decade ago, he uncovered a critical vulnerability in a large organization’s system and reported it.
Instead of gratitude, the company pursued legal action.
Technically, the court recognized that accessing the system to find the flaw counted as hacking. However, the judge acknowledged that De Ceukelaire’s intentions were constructive rather than malicious, resulting in a guilty verdict without punishment.
The experience highlighted a major issue within cybersecurity: ethical hackers can sometimes face legal consequences for trying to help organizations fix security problems.
Learning Through Failure, Not Textbooks
Unlike many cybersecurity professionals who follow formal academic paths, De Ceukelaire developed his skills largely through experimentation.
He did not study computer science in depth and avoided relying heavily on hacking guides or manuals. Instead, he adopted a trial-and-error approach, repeatedly testing ideas—even those that might appear illogical to trained engineers.
According to him, failure is one of the most effective teachers.
By trying unconventional methods and learning from mistakes, he believes hackers can develop a deeper understanding of how systems truly function.
Rethinking the Label “Ethical Hacker”
De Ceukelaire also challenges the widespread use of the term “ethical hacker.”
In his view, the word “ethical” should not be necessary. Just as society doesn’t distinguish between ethical and unethical pharmacists by default, he argues that hacking itself is simply a skill.
Criminal acts may be carried out using hacking techniques—just as crimes can be committed using vehicles—but the skill alone should not define someone’s morality.
He also recognizes that ethics can vary depending on political and cultural perspectives. Government hackers working for national intelligence agencies, for example, may be considered heroes in their own countries but adversaries elsewhere.
The Rise of Bug Bounty Programs
The emergence of bug bounty platforms has helped solve many of the legal and ethical challenges hackers once faced.
Companies such as Bugcrowd and HackerOne popularized the concept in the early 2010s, allowing organizations to reward independent researchers who responsibly report security vulnerabilities.
European platform Intigriti soon joined the ecosystem, helping create a safe environment where hackers can legally test systems and earn money for identifying weaknesses.
According to De Ceukelaire, this shift has changed the cybersecurity landscape dramatically.
In the past, hackers often faced a difficult choice: pursue their passion and risk legal consequences, or abandon the activity entirely. Bug bounty programs now provide a legitimate path where researchers can earn income while improving digital security.
Creativity at the Heart of Hacking
For De Ceukelaire, hacking is ultimately about creative problem-solving.
That creativity sometimes extends beyond computers. He once joked about using social engineering techniques at music festivals, convincing vendors to exchange half a token for a full drink—an example of applying hacker thinking to everyday situations.
Such experiences reflect his broader definition of hacking: finding inventive ways to overcome obstacles without causing harm.
Changing the Global View of Hackers
Now working with Intigriti, De Ceukelaire aims to promote stronger legal protections and broader acceptance for ethical hackers worldwide.
He believes societies should encourage responsible security research rather than punish it.
As cyber threats grow increasingly sophisticated, collaboration between organizations and independent hackers may become one of the most effective ways to protect digital systems.
For De Ceukelaire, the mission is clear: help create a world where hacking—done responsibly—can be recognized as a legitimate and valuable profession.
