Hacker linked to Epstein removed from Black Hat cyber conference website

Vincenzo Iozzo, a prominent figure in the hacking community and CEO of cybersecurity startup SlashID, has been removed from the websites of both Black Hat and Code Blue cybersecurity conferences. This decision follows his connection to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. As of Thursday, Iozzo's name is no longer found on the official review boards of these major events, a significant shift from just last week when he was still listed. Having joined the Black Hat review board in 2011, Iozzo's long-standing presence in the cybersecurity field has attracted attention due to recent revelations surrounding his interactions with Epstein. Iozzo has publicly stated that he will not voluntarily resign from his positions and has called for a comprehensive investigation into the matter. Despite requests for comments, representatives from Black Hat have not responded. Iozzo's career spans several notable achievements, including authoring one of the first manuals for hackers focused on Apple’s mobile operating system and founding IperLane, which was acquired by CrowdStrike. Documents released by the Department of Justice have revealed Iozzo's name in over 2,300 files, some of which include emails from his communications with Epstein between October 2014 and December 2018. This timeline coincides with when the Miami Herald published reports accusing Epstein of abusing numerous women and underage girls. While emails indicate attempts by Iozzo to meet Epstein at his New York townhouse, he has firmly denied any wrongdoing, asserting that his relationship with Epstein was strictly professional. In a statement through his spokesperson, Iozzo expressed regret over his past associations, emphasizing that he was misled about Epstein's true nature and actions. He maintained that his interactions focused solely on business discussions regarding markets and technology, denying any involvement in illegal activities. The recent developments have sparked discussions within the cybersecurity community about the implications of personal connections in professional settings. Iozzo's spokesperson confirmed that he is open to an independent investigation, believing that it would clear his name. Meanwhile, Code Blue has also confirmed the removal of Iozzo from its review board, citing that the update had been in the works for several months, coinciding with the release of the Epstein documents.