Grant Smith

Red Team Lead & Founder | DEF CON Speaker | Navy Spouse | Army Best Cyber Warrior | Featured in WIRED, The Atlantic, FT & People

Aurora, Colorado, United States

About

I am a red team lead and founder with a strong background in hands-on offensive security and technical leadership. My work spans advanced red team operations, vulnerability research, and cybercrime investigations, and has been featured in The Atlantic, Financial Times, WIRED, and People. I am active in the security community through conference speaking, volunteering, and leading competitive teams. Earlier in my career, I led the Virginia Tech Cyber Club and VTCC Cyber Team, building practical, hands-on programs focused on developing real-world cybersecurity skills. I hold a degree in Cyber Security Management from Virginia Tech.

Experience

  • CEO & Co-Founder at Surface Security
    May 2026 - Present · 2 mos

    Creating the only automated & sovereign security analyst in every browser.

  • Manager - Red Team Lead at Ally
    Jul 2025 - Present · 1 yr

    Performing and leading full-scope red team operations to improve Ally's security posture and readiness.

  • President at Phantom Security Group
    Jan 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 6 mos

    Founder and President of Phantom Security Group. Providing advanced offensive cyber capabilities and tooling.

  • Cyberspace Flotilla Member at US Coast Guard Auxiliary
    Mar 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 4 mos

  • Red Team Operator & Vulnerability Researcher at The Walt Disney Company
    May 2024 - Jul 2025 · 1 yr 3 mos

    Performing full-scope red team assessments of the Walt Disney Company's organizational units, as well as targeted vulnerability research, to improve the company's security posture.