Uncovering the Hidden World: HD Moore’s Discovery Expedition

The Exploration and Discovery Journey of HD Moore

HD Moore, known for his pioneering work in network security, has always had a fascination with uncovering unexplored connections between devices. From his early years, he was captivated by the concept that a whole world of phones existed, waiting to be discovered through a random dialing of numbers. As he delved into the realm of the Internet, this curiosity for exploration only grew stronger. Moore’s career has been marked by his relentless pursuit of discovery, both externally through network scanning and internally within enterprise environments.

The Early Years and External Network Discovery

Moore founded the Metasploit Project, a well-known open-source penetration testing framework, which allowed security researchers to uncover critical vulnerabilities and exposed devices. His work on tools like Metasploit, WarVOX, and AxMan empowered others to delve into the dusty and buggy corners of the Internet. About a decade ago, his Critical IO project at Rapid7 revealed that 40 to 50 million network devices were wide open to attacks on the public Internet, highlighting the insecure nature of open network connectivity during the early days of the Internet of Things (IoT). However, his research also attracted the attention of federal law enforcement, leading to threats that temporarily impacted his public research career.

A Shift towards Internal Enterprise Asset Discovery

Seeking new challenges and opportunities, Moore moved into a research and development role at Atredis Partners, a boutique pen testing firm. He noticed that even organizations with substantial budgets and resources often had vulnerable assets they were unaware of in their quarterly pen tests. These forgotten assets, tucked away in obscure corners, posed security risks as they were not part of the organization’s existing defense mechanisms. This realization became the driving force behind Moore’s latest venture, runZero.

The Birth and Growth of runZero

In 2019, Moore founded Rumble, the precursor to runZero, with a grassroots approach. Working closely with beta customers and offering a free tier, the company gathered valuable feedback to refine its product. By 2021, runZero secured $5 million in seed funds, followed by a $15 million Series A funding round in 2022. The company has since rebranded as runZero, reflecting its commitment to internal enterprise asset discovery.

Advancing Technology in Asset Discovery

runZero’s early focus has been on active scanning for asset discovery, aiming to go beyond the limitations of traditional scanning tools like nmap. Moore recognized that the scanning landscape needed a fresh approach. While active scanning provided valuable information, it couldn’t identify devices that couldn’t be reached through network routing. To address this, runZero has expanded its platform to include passive discovery. This approach not only increases device discoverability but also caters to operational technology (OT) environments, such as power plants, where active scanning could disrupt critical operations.

Democratizing Security Tooling

In addition to advancing the technology of asset discovery, runZero is committed to democratizing security tooling. With the launch of a new free version of its platform, the company aims to make its capabilities accessible to small businesses, individuals, and security researchers who may have limited resources. This approach sets runZero apart from others in the industry, as it seeks to encourage broader engagement and utilization of its platform.

Philosophical Implications of Exploration

Moore’s lifelong passion for exploration and discovery raises philosophical questions about the nature of the interconnected world we live in. His fascination with numbers as the building blocks of our world speaks to the infinite possibilities that exist within the vast expanse of the Internet. However, this exploration comes with a dual responsibility. While Moore’s work has contributed to uncovering vulnerabilities and improving security, it has also raised concerns about privacy and potential misuse of information.

The Balancing Act of Security and Privacy

The tension between security and privacy is a constant challenge in the digital age. Moore’s career trajectory highlights the delicate balance needed to navigate this landscape. While the discovery of hidden assets and vulnerabilities can strengthen security measures, it also raises questions about the ethical implications of these findings. Striking the right balance between the need for exploration and the protection of privacy is a responsibility shared by both industry professionals and policymakers.

An Editorial: The Importance of Comprehensive Network Discovery

The evolution of HD Moore’s career and the emergence of runZero underscore the necessity for comprehensive network discovery in today’s interconnected world. Identifying all assets within an organization’s network, both known and unknown, is critical for effective security measures. Neglected devices and forgotten corners of an organization’s infrastructure can become vulnerabilities waiting to be exploited by malicious actors.

runZero’s focus on internal enterprise asset discovery highlights the importance of not solely relying on external network scanning. By combining active and passive discovery techniques, runZero seeks to provide organizations with a holistic view of their assets, enabling them to proactively address potential risks.

The Role of Technology and Human Expertise

While runZero’s tools and technology offer valuable insights, it is essential to recognize the irreplaceable role of human expertise in network discovery. Technology can streamline the process and provide a foundation for assessment, but human experts are critical for interpreting the findings, recognizing patterns, and uncovering deep-rooted vulnerabilities that may elude automated scans.

Final Advice: Safeguarding the Hidden World

As technology continues to advance and our reliance on interconnected devices grows, it is imperative that we prioritize the security and protection of our hidden world. Organizations must adopt comprehensive asset discovery practices, encompassing both external and internal networks, to identify vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of exploitation. This proactive approach will enable timely detection and response, limiting potential damage and safeguarding the integrity of our interconnected systems.

However, it is equally important to strike a balance between security and privacy. While network discovery is crucial for maintaining robust security measures, it must be conducted responsibly, with due consideration for individual privacy and ethical implications. Policymakers, industry professionals, and users must work together to establish guidelines and regulations that protect both security and privacy in the digital age.