Turning Adversarial Insight Into Resilient Security

Cyber threats evolve every second—stay ahead with NightShade Technologies.

Our Mission

NightShade is on a mission to make offensive cybersecurity accessible to everyone. Our innovative approach combines cutting-edge technology with the insights of highly skilled operators to deliver robust, real-time assessments.

Our Vision

NightShade Technologies is dedicated to making advanced offensive cybersecurity accessible by combining expert human insight with AI-driven automation to deliver high-impact, cost-effective assessments. Our innovative approach empowers organizations of all sizes to proactively evaluate their threat environments and build resilient digital defenses without compromising on quality.

Securing the Digital Future, One Business at a Time

At NightShade Technologies, our mission is to break down barriers to offensive cybersecurity by making advanced security assessments accessible to all. We believe that the combination of human expertise and cutting-edge technology is essential for creating resilient digital defenses at an affordable price without compromising standards. By integrating AI and automation into our processes, we empower our highly skilled operators to work smarter, faster, and more efficiently by delivering high-impact, cost-effective solutions while maintaining uncompromising quality. Our commitment to innovation ensures that organizations of every size can proactively evaluate and assess their environments for resiliency with confidence.

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We Prioritize Our Client's Security Needs

We envision a future where businesses, regardless of size, can operate securely in the digital landscape without fear of cyberattacks. Through continuous innovation and AI-driven security, we strive to be a leader in cybersecurity.

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Driven by Talent, Powered by Expertise

Richard Leichty

Founder & CEO

Richard Leichty is a seasoned cybersecurity leader and systems engineer with over 20 years of experience delivering mission-focused technical solutions across government and private sectors. As the CEO and Lead Systems Engineer of Nightshade Technologies, he spearheads innovation in offensive cybersecurity, with a specialized focus on cyber threat analysis, threat intelligence, systems security, and digital forensics. He brings extensive expertise in leading multidisciplinary teams to develop secure, scalable, and forward-thinking solutions.

Before founding Nightshade Technologies, Rich served as Vice President of a research and development division, where he oversaw corporate R&D initiatives and advised clients on emerging cyber threats, regulatory risks, and the development of advanced technical capabilities. His professional background encompasses executive leadership, operational cyber support, malware analysis, and broad-based experience within military and intelligence operations. Known for his ability to bridge strategic vision with hands-on technical execution, he is deeply committed to helping organizations navigate complex cybersecurity challenges and modernize their security postures effectively and efficiently to advance customer operations.

Rich holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from American Military University and a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Technology from the University of Maryland.

Rich and his family currently reside in Central Florida where, in addition to his professional work, he actively supports the local community by engaging with educational institutions to share his cybersecurity expertise. He also serves as Secretary to the Board for both the Save the Kids Foundation and Disrupt the Bay—organizations dedicated to advancing health technology and pediatric cancer research through community awareness and fundraising initiatives.

Steve Lackey

CTO

Steve Lackey is the Chief Technology Officer and Lead Penetration Tester at Nightshade Technologies, bringing more than three decades of deep expertise in securing, hardening, and architecting complex information systems. His career spans State and Federal Government environments as well as commercial enterprises, where he has led advanced cybersecurity initiatives, built penetration testing programs, and executed full-spectrum red and blue team operations.

Steve specializes in the complete cybersecurity lifecycle — from network design and vulnerability research to exploit development, adversarial testing, and secure deployment of artificial intelligence systems. His current focus includes evaluating and safeguarding AI environments, ensuring that emerging technologies are both resilient and responsibly integrated.

A respected technical leader and hands-on practitioner, Steve holds industry-leading certifications such as OSCE, OSWE, OSCP, OSWP, RCCE, CISSP, Security+, and Network+. Alongside his role at Nightshade Technologies, he contributes to academia as a Teaching Assistant at Harvard Extension School, supporting the Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing program and helping develop the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

Steve is also an active Red Team member with Synack, participates in multiple bug bounty programs, and has authored original exploits featured on Exploit-DB. He remains closely engaged with the cybersecurity community through Defcon, Black Hat, Bsides, and CTF events across the country.

Driven by curiosity and a passion for solving complex technical challenges, Steve continues to push Nightshade Technologies forward — blending offensive security disciplines with innovative AI capabilities to protect the digital frontier. He currently resides with his family in Huntsville, Alabama.