ThingsRecon Joins The Hacking Games as Partner

The Hacking Games, the recruitment tech platform enabling the cybersecurity industry to hire unconventional talent through AI-driven skills matching, has announced a new corporate partnership with ThingsRecon, the bold startup redefining attack surface discovery.

The Hacking Games is committed to addressing the cybersecurity labour deficit by engaging Gen Z talent through entertainment, social media, and online communities, then using its proprietary AI platform to connect unconventional talent with industry roles. The partnership with ThingsRecon will help ensure that the next generation of cybersecurity professionals is equipped with the skills needed to protect organisations from evolving cyber threats. There are currently 4.8 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs worldwide, creating a security crisis that The Hacking Games and its partners aim to resolve.

Tim Grieveson, Chief Security Officer (CSO) and EVP Information Security at ThingsRecon, who himself is a member of Virtue and senior adviser to The Hacking Games, highlighted The Hacking Games’ commitment to developing the soft skills that encompass a hacking mindset. “Building the next generation of cybersecurity professionals is not just about technical skills, it’s about building a culture, maturing mindset and embracing adaptability. The Hacking Games is pioneering a new way to bring ethical hackers into the industry, and we are delighted to support their mission. The future of our work relies on a diverse, skilled workforce that can outthink their  adversaries to defend against them.”

Fergus Hay, co-founder and CEO of The Hacking Games, said “partnering with ThingsRecon, whose expertise in attack surface discovery is crucial in preparing new talent for the realities of modern cybersecurity, is a natural next step for us in creating a generation of ethical hackers.”

The partnership also marks a new chapter with cybersecurity community builder Sabrina Pagnotta joining the initiative. She brings global experience from Ekoparty Futuro Hacker, a cybersecurity education movement dedicated to engaging and empowering young talent in Argentina and across Latin America. This cross-continental perspective strengthens The Hacking Games’ mission to build a truly global, inclusive pipeline of cybersecurity talent.

“What excites me most about joining The Hacking Games is the chance to continue building pathways and creating real-world opportunities. Our work is about fostering curiosity and turning it into capability, so young people from all backgrounds can see themselves as part of this industry,” Pagnotta said.

The Hacking Games’ unique approach integrates media, training, and recruitment to develop the cybersecurity workforce of the future. The organisation has garnered support from both public and private sector leaders, including the FBI, CISA, Europol, and the UK’s National Crime Agency. Through its AI recruitment platform, Haptai, The Hacking Games assesses unconventional talent – such as Capture The Flag competitors, bug bounty hunters, and cybersecurity enthusiasts – and matches them with career opportunities in the industry.

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