Professional Background and Current Role
Min Pyo Hong is the Founder, CEO, and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at SEWORKS, Inc., a cybersecurity company specializing in mobile application security, automated penetration testing, web application and API penetration testing, cyber threat intelligence, and detection of account takeovers (ATOs). He has held the CEO position at SEWORKS since founding the company, leading its strategic growth and technical innovation.
Prior to SEWORKS, Min Pyo Hong was the Founder and CEO of SHIFTWORKS Co., Ltd. His educational background includes studies at Korea University. His deep expertise in cybersecurity is reflected in his career span of over 20 years as a white hat hacker, during which he has advised corporations, governments, and NGOs on digital and cyber security issues.
Technical Expertise and Contributions
Min Pyo Hong is recognized for his proficiency in security architecture design and the creation of various security solutions tailored for mobile and web applications. His personal hacker background includes a transition from black hat hacking to white hat security consultancy, underscoring a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity threats. Notably, he has been a five-time finalist at DEFCON, the world’s most prestigious hacking competition, and has led a top-performing team of finalists at the event.
He has contributed thought leadership through authored articles and guest authorships on platforms such as VentureBeat and Cyber Defense Magazine. These articles address topics like mobile app vulnerabilities, penetration testing best practices, and emerging cybersecurity threats such as cryptojacking.
Additionally, Min Pyo Hong is an inventor, having filed and been granted patents related to cybersecurity technologies and mobile app protection, with patents registered under SEWORKS, Inc.
Leadership and Industry Involvement
Under Min Pyo Hong’s leadership, SEWORKS has developed innovative products like AppSolid, a cloud-based protection and tracking solution for Android and Unity applications, designed to secure apps against hacking and reverse engineering. The company was founded with the vision to address mobile era security challenges comprehensively.
Min Pyo Hong also heads a nonprofit organization named Wow Hackers, which he has led for over 15 years, focusing on security research and community engagement in the cybersecurity space.
SEWORKS, headquartered in Silicon Valley with a U.S. presence in Palo Alto, has grown to approximately 28 employees and reported approximately $4.8 million in revenue in 2024, following a successful funding history with $12 million raised, last round dated December 1, 2016. The company holds a valuation of around $1.7 million as of 2024.
His role extends beyond corporate leadership into advisory capacities where he offers insights into securing corporate networks, mitigating cyber threats, and enhancing mobile application security posture. He participates in industry forums and has been part of digital security review boards, such as Hack In The Box.
Relevant Achievements and Recognitions
- Founder and CEO of SEWORKS, guiding growth in cybersecurity solutions tailored to modern mobile and web application environments.
- Led teams repeatedly recognized as finalists at DEFCON, reflecting exceptional hacking and security skills.
- A respected voice in cybersecurity thought leadership through multiple published articles and interviews.
- Inventor and patent holder of advanced cybersecurity technologies.
- Instrumental in developing AppSolid, a significant mobile app security product launched under his direction.
- Served as advisor to corporations, NGOs, and government agencies on digital security strategies.
- Leadership of Wow Hackers nonprofit, fostering long-term collaboration and advancement in security research.
LinkedIn Profile: [Min Pyo Hong](http://www.linkedin.com/in/silverdel)
Company: SEWORKS, Inc.
Key Contact Role: Founder, CEO, CISO
Industry: Cybersecurity, Mobile App Security, Penetration Testing
Company Size: Approximately 28 employees
Revenue: Approximately $4.8 million (2024)
Funding Raised: $12 million (last round 2016)
This profile positions Min Pyo Hong as a highly experienced cybersecurity expert and serial entrepreneur at the forefront of mobile security innovation, with a strong technical background, extensive industry involvement, and proven leadership in building a specialized cybersecurity firm.
