Vincenzo Iozzo’s Removal from Leading Cybersecurity Conferences Amid Epstein inquiry
Withdrawal from Black Hat and Code Blue Review Panels
Vincenzo Iozzo, a cybersecurity professional previously linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has been removed from the review boards of two major security conferences: Black Hat and Japan’s Code Blue.As of this week, his name no longer appears on either event’s official websites, despite being listed as recently as last month. According to his LinkedIn profile, Iozzo had been a member of Black Hat’s review board as 2011.
A Career in Cybersecurity and Industry Impact
Iozzo is the founder and CEO of SlashID, a cybersecurity startup focused on identity protection. With over ten years in the field, he authored one of the pioneering manuals for hackers targeting vulnerabilities within Apple’s iOS platform. In 2015, he founded iperlane-a company later acquired by CrowdStrike-where he served as senior director for nearly four years.
Documented Connections Between Iozzo and Epstein
The U.S. department of Justice released more than 2,300 documents referencing Vincenzo Iozzo during its investigation into jeffrey Epstein’s criminal network. These records include numerous emails exchanged between October 2014 and December 2018 that suggest attempts by Iozzo to arrange meetings with Epstein at his New York residence shortly after media reports surfaced accusing epstein of abusing over sixty women.
The FBI Informant Report Hinting at a “Personal Hacker”
A redacted FBI informant report included among these files alleges that Epstein employed a “personal hacker.” While the report does not explicitly name this individual,contextual clues strongly indicate it could be Iozzo. Italian news outlets have identified him as the probable subject behind this redaction; though, law enforcement agencies have not confirmed these assertions.
“The informant’s claims remain unverified by official investigations and may contain inaccuracies.”
Iozzo Addresses Allegations Publicly
Through an official spokesperson, Vincenzo Iozzo denied any involvement in hacking activities on behalf of epstein or any illegal conduct related to their association. He described their relationship as strictly professional: “We were introduced in 2014 while I was fundraising at MIT for my startup through trusted contacts,” he explained. Expressing regret over failing to recognize warning signs due to misplaced trust, he emphasized that all interactions were business-related discussions which never resulted in formal agreements.
Contextualizing Jeffrey Epstein’s Criminal Record
jeffrey Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting minors for prostitution and was registered as a sex offender across several states including Florida and New York. subsequent investigations following exposés revealed extensive trafficking operations involving underage girls at private properties such as his Caribbean island estate. Between 2018-2019 new evidence emerged detailing charges against him involving dozens of minors trafficked; before dying while incarcerated awaiting trial on federal indictments brought forth by the U.S. Justice Department.
Details Surrounding Conference Board Removals
No explicit description has been provided regarding Black Hat’s decision to remove Vincenzo Iozzo from its review board listings; neither his representatives nor legal counsel contested this action but expressed confidence that an impartial investigation would ultimately exonerate him.
Code blue organizers confirmed they had planned updates removing inactive members-including two others alongside Iozzo-and noted their timing coincided with public release of DOJ documents rather than being directly caused solely by those revelations.
“Mr. Iozzo advocates for an independent inquiry instead of immediate dismissal,” saeid his representative.
“He believes such scrutiny will clear his name.”
The Need for Openness Within Cybersecurity Circles
this situation underscores ongoing challenges faced by cybersecurity communities striving to balance reputational risk management with fair treatment amid complex external controversies involving affiliated individuals.
As digital security professionals increasingly engage with broader societal issues-from privacy rights concerns to ethical accountability-maintaining transparent governance frameworks remains essential for preserving industry credibility worldwide.
