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Security World Hits Las Vegas For a Week of Hacking, Cracking, Fun (theregister.co.uk)

About a quarter of a century ago, a handful of hackers decided to have a party in a cheap hotel, and had a whale of a time. Fast forward to 2018, and that get-together has grown into events that will see an estimated 30,000 people converge on Las Vegas for the biggest security shindig in the world -- the combination of Black Hat USA, DEF CON and BSidesLV. From a report: While that first gathering morphed into the DEF CON hacking conference, the biggest event is Black Hat USA, which began on Saturday, and runs through until Thursday, August 9. This is the flashy corporate brother of DEF CON, and features four days of security training, a one-day invite-only CISO summit day (from which press are strictly barred) and two days of briefings featuring everything from government agents to hardcore hackers talking about the tricks of the trade. Although they have a shared origin -- DEF CON founder Jeff Moss also set up Black Hat USA -- these days, DEF CON and Black Hat USA are run and operated separately. We've previously described the behind-the-scenes and arduous task of setting up and maintaining computer networks for attendees of hacker conventions.

13 of 26 comments (clear)

  1. Don't forget... by valnar · · Score: 1

    ..to turn off your Wifi and bluetooth on your phones before you enter.

    1. Re:Don't forget... by Antique+Geekmeister · · Score: 1

      Also, put any RFID tagged cards or passports in Faraday cage pouches.

    2. Re:Don't forget... by sizzlinkitty · · Score: 1

      I heard thru the grapevine, something related to bluetooth is being released at BH. So definitely turn that off...

    3. Re:Don't forget... by antdude · · Score: 1

      So we can't use our stuff? What about other electronics like vehicles, hearing aids, smartwatches, Google glasses, etc.? :P

      --
      Ant(Dude) @ Quality Foraged Links (AQFL.net) & The Ant Farm (antfarm.ma.cx / antfarm.home.dhs.org).
  2. Cisco announcements? by Antique+Geekmeister · · Score: 1

    Are they publishing the latest backdoors, the new ones installed by their patch for the _last_ set of backdoors?

    I'm sorry to see them failing this way, because they have a long history of robust equipment. But I'm afraid that Cisco has made the "put in new backdoors with each release" mistake too many times to think it is anything other than malice. I'm afraid that they are deliberately cooperating with security agencies who've been caught too often performing unconstitutional and even criminal monitoring of entirely innocent traffic with no criminal or national security reason to do so.

  3. Re:don't forget the anonymous sex by FunkSoulBrother · · Score: 1

    Ugh can you imagine being a Vegas hooker this week. They probably tip like shit too

  4. Re:don't forget the anonymous sex by sizzlinkitty · · Score: 1

    You should of been there the year john mcafee invited a bunch of these security guys to the hustler strip club. The girls were charging something like $250-300 dollars for a 15 minute lap dance. They don't deserve tips at that rate, it's borderline robbery. I got out of there after I figured out I couldn't get free drinks and $20 dollar lap dances.

  5. Re:Dear Slashdot reader by sizzlinkitty · · Score: 1

    wait, when did they change it from the password discussed in the all hands 2 weeks ago? If we are not using "yaksmilk" then I need to rewrite some config files for the schedule automation system. I'll call the NOC tomorrow to confirm what needs to be changed.

  6. Re:1337 h4xx0rz pox on security by sizzlinkitty · · Score: 1

    You've clearly never been to summer camp with that attitude.

  7. Re:Hyperlinkin' by sizzlinkitty · · Score: 1

    Google "blackhat noc", should find some good information

  8. Been there, done that by proibido · · Score: 3, Funny

    Traveled half world to attend DEF CON 22 and it was a great experience. Saw some interesting conferences, learned how to lockpick, new hacking techniques, social engineering skills, met great people (including Kevin Mitnick) and, of course, party hard for 3 days! Thanks to all who made DEF CON possible all this years.

  9. Re:don't forget the anonymous sex by reboot246 · · Score: 1

    Well, the word "crack" in some parts of this country means "sex" (as a verb), so I assume from the summary that some of that will be going on.

  10. Re:don't forget the anonymous sex by Highdude702 · · Score: 1

    Wtf part is that? Crack on the streets means rock cocaine. Learn 2 ghetto.