Curiosity is often cited as the foundation of all great discoveries, but rarely does it blaze a trail as remarkable as the journey of Dylan, the youngest security researcher ever to work with the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC). At just 13, Dylan began collaborating with one of the world’s most prominent cybersecurity hubs—a testament to both his technical prowess and a relentless spirit shaped by challenges, family support, and a deep desire to make a difference in the digital world.
Dylan’s fascination with technology had humble beginnings. Like many children, he started with Scratch, MIT’s visual programming language designed to introduce youngsters to basic coding through games and animations. For most, Scratch is just that—a playful introduction to logic and creativity. For Dylan, it was the ignition point of a much larger odyssey.
His appetite for deeper understanding quickly outgrew Scratch’s visual blocks, propelling him into HTML and other programming languages well before most of his peers caught their first glimpse of a code editor. By the fifth grade, Dylan was dissecting the source code behind his school’s educational platforms, driven by an insatiable curiosity to understand how things worked behind the scenes.
His first notable experiment—bypassing a platform’s rules to unlock games before completing assigned lessons—may have sparked concern among teachers, but it revealed an inquisitive mind more interested in understanding system architecture than simply breaking rules. The desire to learn, rather than to subvert, set the tone for Dylan’s future in ethical hacking.
His knack for system navigation became even more apparent when the school further limited communication tools by disabling student-created Teams chats. Instead of being shut down by this new hurdle, Dylan’s curiosity and burgeoning technical skills converged. What began as a mission to restore basic communication became an accidental introduction to the world of cybersecurity.
After nine months of self-guided learning, exploration, and persistent trial and error—despite setbacks and the skepticism of adults—Dylan discovered a vulnerability allowing him to take over any Teams group. It was a watershed moment that marked his entry into security research and thrust him into the practice of responsible vulnerability disclosure. This moment would cement his future with MSRC.
Since that first disclosure, Dylan’s relationship with MSRC has deepened. He has demonstrated the sort of technical acumen and professionalism typically associated with far more seasoned researchers. According to multiple MSRC staffers and public acknowledgements, Dylan routinely impresses with clear lines of communication and collaborative spirit.
One prominent example highlights his maturity: after submitting a vulnerability in Microsoft’s Authenticator Broker service—initially out of scope for the bug bounty program—he engaged in respectful yet assertive dialogue with MSRC. By articulating the broader security implications, he convinced Microsoft to not only recognize the issue’s importance but also expand the scope of its bug bounty offerings. This is an extraordinary achievement, especially for someone so young, and validates the value that diverse perspectives bring to high-stakes security environments.
When MSRC has pushed back against some of his initial severity assessments or scope suggestions, Dylan hasn’t shied away from disagreement. Instead, he approaches these situations thoughtfully, seeking to absorb Microsoft’s security rationale while succinctly making his own case. By framing technical arguments in a business context—an unusual strength for researchers of any age—he’s proven that innovation in security is as much about dialogue as it is about code.
His impact also resonates within the structure of bug bounty programs. Since his involvement, Microsoft has expanded its scope and clarified terms to better accommodate and protect younger researchers. This evolution isn’t insignificant: for a trillion-dollar company to adjust its practices based on the insights of a teenage hacker speaks volumes about the shifting dynamics of the cybersecurity community.
But Dylan’s personal resilience was most deeply tested by a health setback during the pandemic. Losing his voice, he underwent two surgeries before regaining it. Far from dampening his resolve, this experience taught him endurance, adaptability, and the importance of perspective. In cybersecurity, where the path from vulnerability discovery to responsible patching can be long and fraught with obstacles, these qualities serve Dylan well.
His contributions have not gone unnoticed. Dylan has been named to MSRC’s Most Valuable Researcher list for 2022 and 2024, placing him among an elite cadre of global experts. According to independent confirmations, these annual lists are reserved for those whose work has meaningfully strengthened Microsoft’s security posture, often featuring professionals with decades of experience.
In April, Dylan participated in Microsoft’s Zero Day Quest—a premier, invite-only onsite hacking challenge held at Redmond headquarters. Claiming third place in a field of world-class security researchers isn’t just impressive for a high school junior; it’s an extraordinary feat by any standard, one that positions Dylan as an emerging leader in the field.
Looking ahead, Dylan’s ambitions include attending cybersecurity conferences—a rite of passage for many in the field—as soon as he’s old enough. The opportunity to meet mentors and peers face-to-face, exchange knowledge, and be part of an evolving community is a powerful motivator.
But what truly defines Dylan is not just his technical skill or youthful ambition. It’s the message he sends to young people everywhere: there are no age requirements for innovation. In cybersecurity, creativity, perseverance, and a willingness to learn often matter far more than seniority or credentials. Dylan’s journey, documented by trusted industry sources and verified through Microsoft’s own communications, serves as proof that talent—if nurtured and responsibly guided—can emerge from the most unexpected places.
Perhaps the greatest strength revealed here is the culture of dialogue. Rather than blindly adhering to hierarchy or established processes, both Dylan and MSRC embraced open discussion and the reevaluation of policies. In an era where vulnerabilities can lead to billion-dollar breaches and systemic risk, this humility and willingness to course-correct are vital.
Further, the visibility of Dylan’s journey can directly influence recruitment pipelines, inspiring schools, parents, and community leaders to support young technologists in pursuit of ethical hacking and security. Microsoft’s adaptation to allow 13-year-olds to participate formally in bug bounty programs demonstrates a tangible shift towards inclusion—a change that benefits the sector as a whole.
There’s also the risk of pressure and burnout. High-achieving young people in any field face intense expectations, both self-imposed and external. In cybersecurity, where stakes are often high and public recognition can come early, maintaining healthy boundaries is especially critical. Dylan’s family support has been key here, but it remains an area of concern as more “teen prodigies” enter the arena.
Finally, increased visibility can invite unwanted attention, both positive and negative. Public acknowledgment by global firms offers career opportunities but can also attract adversarial interest. Cybersecurity professionals—including adults—struggle with online harassment and targeted threats; for minors, the risks can be even more acute. Robust, proactive protections must accompany any push for youth involvement in high-profile security research.
Dylan’s story may be unique, but it shouldn’t be singular. As companies, schools, and communities take inspiration from his journey, the next Dylan—or perhaps a whole generation of them—may soon transform not only what is possible in cybersecurity, but who gets to shape its future.
Source: Microsoft Rising star: Meet Dylan, MSRC’s youngest security researcher | MSRC Blog | Microsoft Security Response Center
From Scratch to Security: The Spark of a Young Technologist
Dylan’s fascination with technology had humble beginnings. Like many children, he started with Scratch, MIT’s visual programming language designed to introduce youngsters to basic coding through games and animations. For most, Scratch is just that—a playful introduction to logic and creativity. For Dylan, it was the ignition point of a much larger odyssey.His appetite for deeper understanding quickly outgrew Scratch’s visual blocks, propelling him into HTML and other programming languages well before most of his peers caught their first glimpse of a code editor. By the fifth grade, Dylan was dissecting the source code behind his school’s educational platforms, driven by an insatiable curiosity to understand how things worked behind the scenes.
His first notable experiment—bypassing a platform’s rules to unlock games before completing assigned lessons—may have sparked concern among teachers, but it revealed an inquisitive mind more interested in understanding system architecture than simply breaking rules. The desire to learn, rather than to subvert, set the tone for Dylan’s future in ethical hacking.
Navigating the Pandemic: Problem Solving with Purpose
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced schools into remote learning environments, the technological landscape at Dylan’s school shifted rapidly. One policy in particular—disabling the ability for students to create Teams meetings—was implemented to maintain order but inadvertently fostered isolation. Dylan, however, saw an opportunity. Rather than viewing the restriction as a barrier, he analyzed the ecosystem and identified a workaround using Outlook. His motivation wasn’t rebellion; it was connection. Helping classmates stay socially and academically engaged when everyone needed it most hinted at Dylan’s emerging identity as both a technologist and a problem-solver.His knack for system navigation became even more apparent when the school further limited communication tools by disabling student-created Teams chats. Instead of being shut down by this new hurdle, Dylan’s curiosity and burgeoning technical skills converged. What began as a mission to restore basic communication became an accidental introduction to the world of cybersecurity.
After nine months of self-guided learning, exploration, and persistent trial and error—despite setbacks and the skepticism of adults—Dylan discovered a vulnerability allowing him to take over any Teams group. It was a watershed moment that marked his entry into security research and thrust him into the practice of responsible vulnerability disclosure. This moment would cement his future with MSRC.
Breaking Barriers: The Youngest Voice in a Global Security Dialogue
Reporting his first official vulnerability to Microsoft was both daunting and invigorating. Traditionally, the bug bounty and responsible disclosure spaces have been dominated by experienced adults, often with years of formal training. When Dylan entered the fray at 13, the MSRC Bug Bounty team recognized not just his technical accomplishment, but also the need to evolve. They updated program terms to formally allow participation from researchers as young as 13—a tangible shift in the security community’s inclusivity.Since that first disclosure, Dylan’s relationship with MSRC has deepened. He has demonstrated the sort of technical acumen and professionalism typically associated with far more seasoned researchers. According to multiple MSRC staffers and public acknowledgements, Dylan routinely impresses with clear lines of communication and collaborative spirit.
One prominent example highlights his maturity: after submitting a vulnerability in Microsoft’s Authenticator Broker service—initially out of scope for the bug bounty program—he engaged in respectful yet assertive dialogue with MSRC. By articulating the broader security implications, he convinced Microsoft to not only recognize the issue’s importance but also expand the scope of its bug bounty offerings. This is an extraordinary achievement, especially for someone so young, and validates the value that diverse perspectives bring to high-stakes security environments.
Technical Achievements and the Art of Responsible Disclosure
Dylan’s technical skills alone are noteworthy, but what sets him apart is his holistic understanding of the responsible disclosure process. In collaborative environments like MSRC, the ability to communicate risk, justify technical reasoning, and respect opposing views is just as crucial as the exploit itself.When MSRC has pushed back against some of his initial severity assessments or scope suggestions, Dylan hasn’t shied away from disagreement. Instead, he approaches these situations thoughtfully, seeking to absorb Microsoft’s security rationale while succinctly making his own case. By framing technical arguments in a business context—an unusual strength for researchers of any age—he’s proven that innovation in security is as much about dialogue as it is about code.
His impact also resonates within the structure of bug bounty programs. Since his involvement, Microsoft has expanded its scope and clarified terms to better accommodate and protect younger researchers. This evolution isn’t insignificant: for a trillion-dollar company to adjust its practices based on the insights of a teenage hacker speaks volumes about the shifting dynamics of the cybersecurity community.
Family, Resilience, and the Human Side of Cybersecurity
Behind Dylan’s achievements lies a powerful support network. He freely credits his parents, stepparents, and grandparents for keeping him grounded and balanced. When technical investigations led to misunderstandings or disappointments—a not-infrequent occurrence in a field where reports are sometimes misread or dismissed—his family helped him maintain patience, humility, and professionalism.But Dylan’s personal resilience was most deeply tested by a health setback during the pandemic. Losing his voice, he underwent two surgeries before regaining it. Far from dampening his resolve, this experience taught him endurance, adaptability, and the importance of perspective. In cybersecurity, where the path from vulnerability discovery to responsible patching can be long and fraught with obstacles, these qualities serve Dylan well.
The Numbers: Productivity and Prestigious Recognition
By the time he reached high school, Dylan had balanced a challenging academic load with extracurriculars like Science Olympiad, math competitions, swimming, biking, and cello. Yet his foray into security research was no side project: over one summer, he filed 20 vulnerability reports with Microsoft—an exponential leap from the six he’d submitted in total beforehand.His contributions have not gone unnoticed. Dylan has been named to MSRC’s Most Valuable Researcher list for 2022 and 2024, placing him among an elite cadre of global experts. According to independent confirmations, these annual lists are reserved for those whose work has meaningfully strengthened Microsoft’s security posture, often featuring professionals with decades of experience.
In April, Dylan participated in Microsoft’s Zero Day Quest—a premier, invite-only onsite hacking challenge held at Redmond headquarters. Claiming third place in a field of world-class security researchers isn’t just impressive for a high school junior; it’s an extraordinary feat by any standard, one that positions Dylan as an emerging leader in the field.
The Path Forward: A Relentless Curiosity and a Passion for Community
Despite his achievements, Dylan views security research as a rewarding hobby rather than a fixed career path. His interests span science, math, and even civics, and he remains open to a multitude of future possibilities. For now, the hunt for vulnerabilities and the quest to outsmart complex systems remain his preferred form of intellectual playground.Looking ahead, Dylan’s ambitions include attending cybersecurity conferences—a rite of passage for many in the field—as soon as he’s old enough. The opportunity to meet mentors and peers face-to-face, exchange knowledge, and be part of an evolving community is a powerful motivator.
But what truly defines Dylan is not just his technical skill or youthful ambition. It’s the message he sends to young people everywhere: there are no age requirements for innovation. In cybersecurity, creativity, perseverance, and a willingness to learn often matter far more than seniority or credentials. Dylan’s journey, documented by trusted industry sources and verified through Microsoft’s own communications, serves as proof that talent—if nurtured and responsibly guided—can emerge from the most unexpected places.
Critical Analysis: Why Dylan's Story Matters for Modern Cybersecurity
Strengths: Diversity, Dialogue, and the Changing Face of Security
The cybersecurity industry has historically struggled with diversity—not just in gender or ethnicity, but in age, background, and world-view. Dylan’s story highlights the immense untapped potential in welcoming contributions from unconventional sources. His involvement with MSRC not only led to concrete technical improvements (such as expanded bug bounty scopes) but also challenged professional stereotypes in a field often criticized for its exclusivity.Perhaps the greatest strength revealed here is the culture of dialogue. Rather than blindly adhering to hierarchy or established processes, both Dylan and MSRC embraced open discussion and the reevaluation of policies. In an era where vulnerabilities can lead to billion-dollar breaches and systemic risk, this humility and willingness to course-correct are vital.
Further, the visibility of Dylan’s journey can directly influence recruitment pipelines, inspiring schools, parents, and community leaders to support young technologists in pursuit of ethical hacking and security. Microsoft’s adaptation to allow 13-year-olds to participate formally in bug bounty programs demonstrates a tangible shift towards inclusion—a change that benefits the sector as a whole.
Potential Risks: Ethics, Pressure, and the Burden of Visibility
That said, Dylan’s rise also invites reflection on risks and responsibilities. The line between ethical hacking and rule-breaking is often thin, especially for minors. Without the right mentorship or guidance, young researchers can inadvertently cross legal or ethical boundaries, sometimes with serious consequences. Microsoft’s careful onboarding of Dylan—and its clear, public reinforcement of responsible disclosure—serves as an industry model but is not yet the norm across all organizations.There’s also the risk of pressure and burnout. High-achieving young people in any field face intense expectations, both self-imposed and external. In cybersecurity, where stakes are often high and public recognition can come early, maintaining healthy boundaries is especially critical. Dylan’s family support has been key here, but it remains an area of concern as more “teen prodigies” enter the arena.
Finally, increased visibility can invite unwanted attention, both positive and negative. Public acknowledgment by global firms offers career opportunities but can also attract adversarial interest. Cybersecurity professionals—including adults—struggle with online harassment and targeted threats; for minors, the risks can be even more acute. Robust, proactive protections must accompany any push for youth involvement in high-profile security research.
Lessons and Inspirations: For the Next Generation of Security Researchers
Dylan’s journey is more than just a collection of technical milestones or accolades. It’s a living example of what happens when curiosity is met with encouragement, rigor, and structured opportunity. For young readers, his story presents a practical, actionable set of takeaways:- Start small, but stay hungry. Skills developed through basic platforms like Scratch can form the launching pad for advanced exploit discovery later.
- Embrace failure and setbacks. Dylan’s months of trial and error show that persistence is not just desirable—it’s necessary.
- Seek mentors, and build a support network. The guidance of family and the responsiveness of MSRC were as important as technical skill.
- Prioritize ethics and responsible disclosure. Understanding not just how, but why one hacks, is foundational.
Looking Beyond Dylan: What’s Next for Youth in Cybersecurity?
As the digital landscape becomes more intricate and threats more sophisticated, the need for fresh perspectives has never been greater. The emergence of young researchers like Dylan signals a hopeful trend: the boundaries to entry are lowering, experimentation is being responsibly channeled, and even giants like Microsoft are recognizing the power of youth-driven insight. Still, realizing the full potential of this trend will require that the industry invests deeply in mentorship, ethical education, and safe pathways for all budding security enthusiasts.Dylan’s story may be unique, but it shouldn’t be singular. As companies, schools, and communities take inspiration from his journey, the next Dylan—or perhaps a whole generation of them—may soon transform not only what is possible in cybersecurity, but who gets to shape its future.
Source: Microsoft Rising star: Meet Dylan, MSRC’s youngest security researcher | MSRC Blog | Microsoft Security Response Center
