We had the good fortune of connecting with Len Noe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Len, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
Answer: when I reflect on my life and consider what legacy I want to leave behind, the answer has evolved over time. To be completely honest, much of my past isn’t something I would want to be remembered for. I spent many years living in a way that most people would avoid—I was a biker, a criminal, and not someone who could be seen as a positive influence. I followed my own rules, indifferent to the impact I had on others, even those closest to me: my friends, family, and children.

Everything changed when I held my granddaughter for the first time. In her tiny face, I saw a reflection of all my failures—as a father and as a man. It was in that moment that I made a promise to myself: I had to change. I couldn’t let my grandchildren look at me with fear or shame. I had to turn my life around, completely, and carve out a new path for the future.

As I transitioned into cybersecurity, I became fascinated with pushing the limits of technology. I even began integrating subdermal microchips under my skin to enhance my abilities, not just as a cybersecurity expert, but as a human being. Today, I have 10 microchips implanted between my elbows and fingertips. These chips allow me to interface with technology in ways most people can’t. I can interact directly with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and NFC (Near Field Communication) systems. I even have a credit card embedded in my left hand and a magnet in my pinky finger. My implants provide me with additional security layers for my online presence, with features like encryption, one-time passwords (OTPs), and access to my cryptocurrency wallet—all handled through my body.

I’m recognized as the world’s first “Transhuman Hacker,” able to communicate with digital devices through physical contact. It’s not just about being the first to perform these feats; it’s about understanding their potential as both defensive and adversarial tools. I see myself as an ambassador between what we consider the “default” biological human and the selectively augmented individual. With technologies like Brain-Computer Interfaces, SMART prosthetics, and artificial intelligence already reshaping our world, the lines between human and machine are blurring.

What I’m doing is only the beginning of the next stage of human evolution, where technology isn’t just part of our lives—it’s part of us.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a cybersecurity specialist and ethical hacker, with a unique focus on educating companies and individuals about the importance of cyber best practices. What sets me apart is my role as the world’s first recognized cyborg, or transhuman, hacker. I currently have 10 microchips implanted in my arms, from my elbows to my fingertips, which I use to demonstrate next-generation cyberattacks that can occur through physical contact. This groundbreaking work has allowed me to share my research as an international speaker, presenting in over 50 countries, including key engagements before the European Union Ministries and at The Hague.

Getting to where I am today has been anything but easy. The journey has been filled with challenges, but each obstacle has taught me valuable lessons about resilience, innovation, and the evolving relationship between humans and technology. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the importance of staying ahead of the curve in a field that moves at lightning speed.

I’m incredibly proud of my debut book, Human Hacked: My Life and Lessons as the World’s First Augmented Ethical Hacker, where I share my story—from the trials of my early life to the personal and professional experiences that led to my transformation into a transhuman pioneer. My life’s mission is to push the boundaries of human-machine integration, and I want the world to understand how these advancements can shape the future of cybersecurity and humanity itself.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Any time anyone asks me to recommend places to visit in Dallas-Fort Worth, I immediately mention Deep Ellum. Lively, this neighborhood seems to breathe, sweat art, music, and culture from every pore. Be it the time spent in any of the local galleries, the enjoyment of live music, or a simple browse through peculiar shops, Deep Ellum is the real taste of the creative pulse of Dallas.

Equally great for barbecue are Cattleack BBQ and Hutchins BBQ. Cattleack is better known for its Thursday special, which pulls in lines of people ready to dine, while Hutchins has the best genuine, slow-smoked barbecue. Both of these restaurants highlight a profusion of flavors that make Texas barbecue legendary and that provide unforgettable dining.

History buffs might enjoy one of the more interesting places: Dealey Plaza, where President John F. Kennedy was killed. The Sixth Floor Museum goes into much greater detail about that part of American history, and it is an impactful thing to experience-one that really provides some depth to any visit to Dallas.

The famous Stockyards in Fort Worth offer a whole different type of adventure. The daily cattle drive and historic district create an authentic look into Texas’ cowboy heritage. From the many old-timey saloons to the general charm of the Old West, everything the Stockyards present screams a quintessential Texan experience: one that whisks visitors back in time.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to begin by recognizing my family—my wife, for giving me the freedom to be who I am, and my children and grandchildren, who are my constant source of inspiration.

I would also like to acknowledge my company, CyberArk, and specifically Mike Marino, Liz Campbell, and Udi Mokady. At a critical point in my life, when I needed to become something more, Mike took a chance on me. He saw beyond the tattoos and recognized potential, even when I couldn’t see it in myself. He taught me how to succeed professionally and helped shape me into the presenter I am today.

Liz, along with her team’s unwavering support, provided me with the opportunities to refine my skills, and for that, I am forever grateful.

Lastly, none of this would have been possible without the guidance of Udi Mokady. His leadership, compassion, and integrity have set a standard that I strive to reach one day.

Website: https://www.i-am-machine.com

Instagram: @lennoe213

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/len-noe/

Twitter: @hacker_213

Youtube: @hacker-of9hn

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.