Gen Z Floods Hacken’s Hiring Drive as Web3 Security Heats Up - BlockTelegraph

* * * * * Over 1,600 candidates recently applied for just ten open intern roles at end-to-end blockchain security provider firm Hacken, as Gen Z jobseekers increasingly set their sights on Web3, and cybersecurity is at the top of their wish list.

The Hacken Internship is a three-month, paid, and full-time program for entry-level professionals ready to launch their career in blockchain security and compliance. Successful candidates grow in a team that’s creating the future of blockchain security, learn directly from Middle+ and Senior-level mentors and work on real business projects.

The roles, which included Smart Contract Auditor, Blockchain Protocol Security Auditor, DevOps Engineer, and Web3 Marketing Specialist, were split between Hacken’s core locations in Ukraine and the U.S. Applicants came from more than a dozen countries, with nearly a third identifying as women, highlighting a new era of diversity and mission-driven talent in the security space.

For Yevheniia Broshevan, co-founder of Hacken, this surge isn’t surprising.

“Security isn’t just technical, it’s emotional. It’s about protecting people’s trust,” she said. “Gen Z understands that instinctively. They don’t want to just build apps or sell tokens. They want to defend what matters.”

Founded in 2017, Hacken has grown from a grassroots hacking meetup in Kyiv to a globally distributed team of over 140 people. Its services now range from smart contract audits and penetration testing to regulatory compliance tools and bug bounty programs. Clients include DeFi protocols, exchanges, and regulatory agencies.

Broshevan, who began her own career calculating cryptographic risk models for nuclear power plants, believes the appeal of cybersecurity is deeper than just technical curiosity or high pay.

“Web3 used to feel like the Wild West,” she said. “Now, jurisdictions demand annual audits, risk disclosures, and security guarantees. Hacken helps make that possible, without compromising the ethos of decentralisation.”

The company’s recruitment campaign last month struck a nerve with younger applicants, especially those looking to make a tangible difference. Many applicants were recent graduates, self-taught developers, or privacy advocates looking to enter the field through security.

The reasons are clear:

• Real-world impact: With billions locked in decentralized finance, every security line of code matters.
• Fast learning curve: Unlike legacy industries, Web3 rewards skill and speed over seniority.
• Meaningful mission: From fraud prevention to privacy protection, the stakes are real.

One standout trend was the strong representation of women, making up nearly 50% of applicants, an encouraging signal in a field historically skewed male.

“We were honestly moved by the number of women applying,” said Broshevan. “Cybersecurity has been male-dominated for too long. But now, a new generation is stepping forward, and they’re not asking permission.”

While AI tools continue to evolve, Broshevan is clear that the human element of security won’t disappear.

“AI might scan faster. But it doesn’t understand consequences,” she said. “Security is about judgment. About trust. That’s something only people can offer, for now.”

With the Web3 space maturing, security is no longer a back-office function, it’s a strategic imperative. And if Hacken’s latest hiring wave is any indication, Gen Z is ready to lead the charge.