Conversation with creator of Metasploit (The Abhisek Cast)

In this episode of The Abhisek Cast, HD Moore, the creator of Metasploit and founder of runZero, explores the real evolution of cybersecurity - from underground hacking culture to modern security companies and products.

HD shares his early journey into computers without privilege or access, why open source became central to his philosophy, and how Metasploit was designed to intentionally challenge and break security products. We talk openly about the backlash Metasploit faced, the realities of commercializing open source, and why many security tools today exist more for business optics than real defense.

The conversation also dives deep into why asset discovery and inventory remain one of the hardest unsolved problems in security, and how runZero approaches this challenge differently by applying a pentester’s mindset to enterprise environments.

We also cover bug bounties, crowdsourced security, AI hype versus reality, and practical advice for newcomers - especially why learning programming and core networking fundamentals still matters, even in the age of LLMs.

This episode is especially valuable for builders, pentesters, and anyone trying to understand the trade-offs between open source, security research, and sustainable security businesses.

Key Topics Covered:

• Early hacker culture vs modern cybersecurity
• Why Metasploit was controversial—and why it worked
• Open source vs commercial security models
• Asset discovery and attack surface management
• Bug bounties vs traditional penetration testing
• AI in security: overhyped or inevitable?
• Advice for people entering cybersecurity today