About My Background
Here you can discover information about my background, as a reformed black hat computer hacker.
I'm a reformed black hat computer hacker turned security consultant. In 2015, I was the subject of three international police operations and was subsequently arrested. I eventually pleaded guilty to a series of computer-hacking related charges. In 2019, I was sentenced to four years in Britain's highest security prison, HMP Belmarsh. However, since that time period, I have gone on to reform and contribute to the industry in a positive way.
Here's some of the positive things that I've done:
- Held position 11 out of 25,000+ researchers on a bug bounty platform
- Contributed to over 100 managed and unmanaged bug bounty programs.
- Helped remediate around 3,100 web-application vulnerabilities.
- Founded a cyber threat intelligence platform with 10,000+ users
- Collaborated with CIRT teams, sysadmins, and government agencies.
These days, I work as a security researcher for a cyber deception startup called Seedata. I also do part-time consulting work when my schedule allows me to.
Here's what I'm often employed or contracted for:
- Cybercrime Awareness and Prevention
- Bug Bounty Creation and Development
- Assistance With Digital Investigations
- Technical Concept Validation (Advisory)
- Grey & Black Box Security Assessments
Here's Some Publications
If you're ever bored and want to find out more about my background, there are various publications that I've contributed to over the years:
- Convicted TalkTalk Blackmailer Warns Young Hackers
- TalkTalk Hacker Daniel Kelley Gives Up His Black Hat
- After Prison, Hackers Face Tech Restrictions
- A Former Hacker Wants To Stop Others Like Him
- Businesses only care after they are attacked says ex-hacker
- Interview With TalkTalk Hacker Daniel Kelley
- Beyond the Laptop: 4 Different Types of OT
Here's Some Podcasts
- Darknet Diaries: Daniel The Paladin Episode #117
- InfoSec Live: Reformed Hacker Daniel Kelley
- InfoSec Real: Daniel Kelley's Interview
- Life After Cybercrime, One Day At A Time
Other Information
I'm happy to comment in the media and contribute to written publications. However, I don't do public speaking. I tried it once and didn't like it. Additionally, I don't do podcasts anymore unless they're about current industry issues or conversations.
If you're interested in working with me, feel free to write to me at hello@danielkelley.me with your proposal to see if we're a good fit and can work something out.




