Hacked attention: A father–son story of ADHD as a cyber security superpower

Cyber security is often associated with precision, structure, and sustained focus—yet many of the individuals operating at the front lines of cyber defence think and work very differently.

In this unique father–son session, we explore Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) through a deeply personal and professional lens, sharing how neurodivergent thinking has shaped two cyber security careers at very different stages. Abbas Kudrati, a seasoned cyber security leader, and Murtaza "Taz" Kudrati, an early-career SOC analyst, offer a rare cross-generational perspective on how ADHD traits show up in real-world cyber environments.

Through storytelling, we connect early experiences of hyperfocus—such as building complex LEGO systems and exploring how things work—to modern-day cyber security practices like threat detection, pattern recognition, and incident response. These parallels highlight how traits often seen as challenges—curiosity, rapid context switching, and non-linear thinking—can become powerful strengths in dynamic and high-pressure cyber roles.

This session goes beyond awareness. It reframes ADHD as a cognitive advantage when understood and channelled effectively, particularly in areas such as security operations, threat hunting, and adversarial thinking. At the same time, we openly discuss the challenges, including navigating structure, managing cognitive overload, and aligning with traditional workplace expectations.

Designed as an interactive Think Tank, this session invites participants to reflect on their own experiences and those within their teams. It challenges organisations to rethink how cyber talent is identified, assessed, and supported in an industry facing ongoing skills shortages.

We conclude with practical guidance for individuals, leaders, and organisations on how to better recognise, support, and enable neurodiverse talent—shifting the conversation from accommodation to optimisation.