Applying for PhD in Security, worked with the top hacker in the world for 6 months now, have a question about LOR

[thegraydude]

Hello,

 

I am applying for PhD in information assurance. For the last 6 months or so, I have worked as an independent contractor with one of the world's top hackers (you all know him/her). He/she had "some trouble with the law" but he/she is now a reformed security professional (sorry, I can't get into specifics).

 

I am in a position where I have a direct correspondence with him/her and his/her "manager". The "manager" is willing to write me a letter of recommendation on his/her behalf while applying to schools.

 

Two of my LORs come from professors that taught me during my Masters. Do you think I should list the manager as my third reference? Will it hurt my chances if a professor frowns upon my engagement with "unlawful" professionals?

 

It is important to mention here that his/her past was long time ago and my association with him/her took place in 2014 and it was all white hat security work. Nothing, I repeat nothing, unlawful.

 

(I must apologize but I really must keep identities confidential due to sensitive nature of the security business).

 

Please let me know what you guys think.

 

Thanks

[jujubea]

I think it's a risk for you to even be posting as much as you just have.... You're also inviting some nefariousness a little bit...

In any case, if their relationship with you is relevant to the program you're applying to then great. Plenty of side-flippers end up doing great things (both ways). It seems shortsighted to not consider that.

If you think about it, it's kind of like someone who used to break into cars, but not necessarily steal them, who now works for Tesla to help make their cars more secure. (In that way it's not so much about reform as it is a redirection of skills.)

If you're wanting to go into a similar field, then it seems he/she'd be a great reference.