DefCon 13 & BlackHat 2005 Conventions

It's that time of year again where the pasty geeks come out from behind the warm glow of their computer screens and gather together in the hot Vegas sun for the annual DefCon convention. For those that don't know, DefCon is where underground hackers meet to share info. Basically it's the shady side of all things digital from computers, the Internet, cell phones, you name it - they hack it. Around there, what is referred to as "script kiddies" (a derogatory term for inexperienced crackers who use scripts and programs developed by others for the purpose of compromising computer accounts, files and for launching attacks), will quickly be eaten up and spit out faster than they can boot their laptop. So be warned if you plan to attend. Only the best of the best will remain unharmed and even then guys like Kevin Mitnick could only laugh as he too had fallen victim to being hacked at a previous DefCon.

As always, this years DefCon 13 will be held at the Alexis Park in Las Vegas, Nevada from July 29-31. Admission is $80 cash only at the door (because you are dealing with hackers, so no credit cards are trusted obviously). Not to be outdone, the computer security experts also have their own little convention and it's called Black Hat 2005. Black Hat is a think tank of security experts providing consulting, training and briefings to corporations and government agencies around the world. The Black Hat team has experience working with organizations such as Amazon, DARPA, Microsoft and the NSA. Here is where they specialize in what is called "digital self defense". It differs from DefCon mostly based on the fact that it is geared to the more advanced IT professional, where as DefCon consists of a less professional (and usually unemployed) tech savvy crowd. Also unlike DefCon, BlackHat is held worldwide. So if you are in the US, the convention is also being held in Las Vegas, but at Caesars Palace from July 23-28. Their online registration is now closed so you must register onsite. The cost is $2,200 to signup and attend.

I suggest you head out to Vegas and go to both since BlackHat will end on the 28th and DefCon will begin the next day on the 29th. For both conventions, you can find more information along with the schedule of events on their official websites at DefCon.org and BlackHat.com Perhaps I'll see you there! (Just for the record, I too laugh at some of the super geeks that go to these conventions. I guess I don't fit the stereotypical tech profile because unlike most of the nerds that go, I like to see the sun on a daily basis as compared to letting a monitor be my only source of light/heat.)