In a gripping episode of The CoinRock Show, Justin Gray Liverman, known as D3f4ult Trades-the inventor of ApolloAlgo, shared his extraordinary journey from a CIA hacker to a crypto visionary. Now at the helm of JeetBot, he is revolutionizing the trading landscape by equipping traders with cutting-edge strategies in the unpredictable world of cryptocurrency.
During the conversation, hosted by Matthias Mazur, the two explored themes of cybersecurity, the evolution of cryptocurrency, and the relentless pursuit of progress in Web3.
Matthias Mazur, an entrepreneur and the founder of CoinRock Ventures, has played a pivotal role in driving innovation in crypto and Web3. A former top-ranked Swiss tennis player turned digital mogul, he has generated over $100 million in online sales, offering a strategic mindset that is reshaping success in the digital economy.
Together, their discussion uncovered the deeper layers of personal transformation, digital resilience, and the realities of the crypto world.
From CIA Hacker to Crypto Visionary
Justin’s journey is anything but ordinary. Starting out as a competitive gamer, his fascination with digital systems led him to explore the world of hacking. His relentless curiosity pushed him to test the security of some of the most high-profile institutions, including the CIA and FBI. However, his motives were never malicious; rather, he sought to understand vulnerabilities, challenge limitations, and push technological boundaries in ways few dared to.
“I didn’t start hacking to cause harm. It was about understanding systems, challenging boundaries,” he shared, reflecting on his past.
However, his bold explorations came with consequences. Facing federal charges, Justin found himself at a crossroads. Instead of letting the experience define him negatively, he turned it into a catalyst for transformation. It was this pivotal moment that led him into the world of cryptocurrency, where he saw the potential to reshape financial systems and offer new possibilities for innovation and freedom.
The Origins of Crypto Involvement
Justin’s introduction to Bitcoin dates back to 2011, in underground IRC hacking channels, long before it became a household name. Back then, cryptocurrency wasn’t about quick profits or speculative hype—it represented something deeper.
“Back then, Bitcoin wasn’t about getting rich. It was about freedom—transacting without intermediaries,” he recalled.
He witnessed Bitcoin’s meteoric rise from just $7 to becoming a global financial force. However, he also pointed out that as the industry evolved, the ideals of decentralization were often overshadowed by speculative trading and market hype.
The Harsh Realities of Web3
One of the most compelling aspects of the conversation was Justin’s critique of the current state of the crypto ecosystem. While cryptocurrency was initially envisioned as a decentralized financial revolution, the reality, according to him, is far more complex.
- The Illusion of Decentralization: Justin pointed out that while decentralization is a major selling point of blockchain projects, many are still controlled by a small group of insiders, making them far less decentralized than they claim.
- The Prevalence of Scams: The industry is riddled with rug pulls and scams, where unsuspecting investors lose money to fraudulent schemes. He urged people to think critically rather than blindly trust projects simply because they are trending.
- The Need for Regulation: Unlike many in the crypto space, Justin believes some level of regulation is necessary. He argues that well-structured regulations could help filter out bad actors and bring stability to the market.
The discussion painted a stark picture of Web3, one that is both full of opportunity and risk, urging traders and investors to be more informed and cautious.
Building JeetBot: A Vision for Smarter Crypto Trading
Justin’s journey took another turn when he partnered with CoinRock to co-found JeetBot, an advanced trading bot designed to solve liquidity issues and bring efficiency to crypto trading.
“We didn’t just build JeetBot to be another trading tool. It’s about creating an ecosystem that actually adds value,” he explained.
The project was born out of frustration with the inefficiencies in current trading systems, and its goal is to help traders execute smarter, faster, and more secure trades. The collaboration between Justin’s deep technical expertise and Matthias’ strategic vision has positioned JeetBot as a game-changer in automated crypto trading.
Cybersecurity Insights: Lessons from the Underground
Drawing from his extensive experience in hacking and cybersecurity, Justin also shared valuable insights on the vulnerabilities in both traditional finance and the crypto world.
One of the most alarming revelations was how simple security failures lead to major breaches, such as the infamous 2020 Twitter hack, where attackers gained access to high-profile accounts due to weak internal security protocols.
- Security Negligence: “Most hacks don’t happen because someone is a genius hacker. They happen because someone didn’t change a default password,” Justin pointed out, stressing how basic security failures often lead to the biggest breaches.
- The Importance of Self-Custody: He emphasized that individuals need to take personal responsibility for their digital assets by using hardware wallets, secure passwords, and multi-factor authentication.
The conversation served as a reminder that in a digital world, security is everything, and traders should prioritize protecting their assets as much as they focus on growing them.
The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Learning from Failures
Beyond cybersecurity and crypto trading, Justin’s story is one of resilience and transformation. He has faced legal battles, financial setbacks, and challenges, yet he has always found a way to reinvent himself and move forward.
His philosophy is clear:
“It’s not about never failing. It’s about failing forward.”
Failure, he explained, is not the end—it is part of the learning process. Whether in life, business, or crypto trading, the ability to adapt, learn, and push forward is what defines success.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch Episode for Every Crypto Enthusiast
This episode of the CoinRock Show was more than just an interview—it was an eye-opening conversation about risk, resilience, and the realities of the crypto world.
Whether you are a seasoned trader, an investor looking for new insights, or simply someone fascinated by the digital revolution, Justin’s journey offers invaluable lessons. His transition from a hacker to a crypto innovator is a testament to how knowledge, experience, and adaptability can shape the future.
For those who want to hear the full conversation, filled with raw, unfiltered insights, click the link below and dive into one of the most thought-provoking discussions in the crypto space.nd the future of finance.
Know More About Justin Gray Liverman
Justin maintains an active presence on various social media platforms, where he engages with the tech community and shares his expertise:
- Threads: Justin Liverman
- X (formerly Twitter): D3f4ult Trades
- Instagram: Justin Liverman
