DefCon Contest Rattles FBI's Nerves

snydeq writes "A DefCon contest that invites contestants to trick employees at 30 US corporations into revealing not-so-sensitive data has rattled nerves at the FBI. Chris Hadnagy, who is organizing the contest, also noted concerns from the financial industry, which fears hackers will target personal information. The contest will run for three days, with participants attempting to unearth data from an undisclosed list of about 30 US companies. The contest will take place in a room in the Riviera hotel in Las Vegas furnished with a soundproof booth and a speaker, so an audience can hear the contestants call companies and try to weasel out what data they can get from unwitting employees." The group organizing the contest has established a strict set of rules to ensure participants don't violate any laws. Update: 07/31 04:45 GMT by S : PCWorld has coverage of one of the day's more successful attacks.

Comments

Re:Dumbasses @ FBI

[msauve]

Well, that leaves retail.

"Do you have Prince Albert in a can?"

Okay, be honest.

[peacefinder]

Who here clicked the link to www.social-engineer.org before thinking about the potential consequences?

Have you just been had? :-)

Not-so-sensitive?!

[zyxwvutsr]

What participants can do is collect data on less sensitive subjects such as, "who does your dumpster removal; who takes care of your paper shredding," Hadnagy said.

"If you don't tell me, I'll look at the dumpster behind your building and read the name on it!"

Re:This is refreshing

[Hatta]

I prefer to beat the password out of the mark after 5 minutes of brute force.