Kelowna-based Hilltop Cybersecurity has filled one of two empty posts left by an executive’s departure with an expert hacker.

Pete Herzog is, of course, the ‘white hat’ variety of hacker – one who uses his expertise at overcoming digital security for good instead of evil. Herzog’s experience in this area, which includes working as a member of IBM’s Ethical Hacking Team and publishing an “Open Source Security Testing Methodology Manual”, has helped him to secure his role as Hilltop’s new Chief Information Security Officer, with the company asserting in a press release that it has “long supported” the two projects.

Commenting on Herzog’s appointment, Hilltop CEO Corby Marshall said, “he leadership of the company is thrilled that he believes enough in the technology and direction of the company’s products to join us in a more substantive full-time role.”

In taking on the role, Herzog fills a position left by Tom Gilmore, who has also vacated the position of Chief Operating Officer. In its statement, Hilltop explained that Gilmore “is pursuing other interests,” and said that its management are “currently considering his replacement for that role within the company”.

The news comes after Hilltop announced a cryptocurrency wallet device and teamed up with blockchain security specialist BIG Blockchain Intelligence Group earlier this year.