Computer security conference facts for kids

A computer security conference is like a big meeting or convention where people who work with computer security get together. These events are great places for computer experts, system managers, network managers, and even ethical hackers to meet, share ideas, and learn new things.

What Happens at These Events?

Michael Lynn, a speaker at Black Hat Briefings 2005

At these conferences, you'll find lots of interesting activities:

• Presentations and Talks: Experts give speeches or join discussions about different topics. These can include how people might trick you into giving away information (called social engineering), how to pick locks (which is sometimes taught to understand physical security), how to test if a computer system is safe (penetration testing), and new tools for finding security weaknesses.
• Hands-on Activities and Games: Many conferences have fun, interactive challenges. A popular one is Capture the Flag (CTF), where teams compete to solve cybersecurity puzzles and challenges.
• Training Sessions: Some events offer special classes or "boot camps" where you can get training and even certifications in Information Technology (IT) security.

Types of Security Conferences

There are many different computer security conferences. Some are organized by non-profit groups, others by individuals, and some by companies that make security products.

Famous General Security Conferences

Haroon Meer, a speaker at nullcon 2018

Here are some well-known general computer security conferences:

• 44Con: An annual security conference and training event held in London, UK.
• ACM-CCS: A long-running security conference that has been held since 1993.
• ACSAC: The Annual Computer Security Applications Conference is one of the oldest information security conferences held every year.
• Black Hat: A very famous series of conferences held in different cities worldwide. Black Hat USA, held in Las Vegas, is one of the biggest computer security events globally.
• BlueHat: An invitation-only Microsoft security conference that brings together Microsoft security experts and outside researchers.
• CanSecWest: Held in Vancouver, this conference hosts the exciting Pwn2Own hacking contest.
• DeepSec: Located in Vienna, this event covers many aspects of computer and electronic communication security, including how to manage security and social aspects.
• Department of Defense Cyber Crime Conference: This annual conference focuses on the computer security needs of the United States government, military, and defense companies.
• IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy: A top-level conference focusing on privacy and security research.
• NDSS: The Network & Distributed System Security Symposium is an annual security conference organized by the Internet Society.
• nullcon Security Conference: An annual security event held in Goa, India.
• Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP): This group and its conferences focus on making web applications more secure.
• RSA Security Conference: A major conference about cryptography (secret codes) and information security, held every year in the San Francisco Bay Area.
• SecureWorld Expo: A series of IT Security conferences that offer education, training, and networking for security leaders and experts.
• TROOPERS IT Security Conference: An annual international IT Security event with workshops held in Heidelberg, Germany.
• USENIX Security: An annual security conference connected with USENIX.
• Virus Bulletin conference: An annual security conference held since 1989.

Hacker Conferences Explained

A team competing in a CTF game at DEF CON 17

A hacker conference, or hacker con, is a gathering for people interested in hacking. Here, "hacker" often means someone who loves to explore how computer systems work, sometimes finding clever ways to use them or discover their weaknesses. These events are places for people who enjoy figuring out how technology works, including security professionals.

These conferences often explore topics like:

• Wardriving: Finding wireless networks while driving around.
• Lockpicking: Learning how locks work to understand physical security.
• Corporate and Network Security: How to protect businesses and computer networks.
• New Technologies: Discussing the latest advancements in tech.
• Collaborative Events: Sometimes they have contests or events like hackathons, where people work together to build or fix things.

Cool Badges at Hacker Cons

A variety of electronic and non-electronic hacker conference badges

One unique thing about many hacker conferences is their badges! While most conferences use simple paper or plastic badges, hacker cons often have special, non-traditional badges. These can be electronic circuit boards with lights (LEDs), small screens (LCDs), and even hidden features like Wi-Fi or games. These cool badges don't always show your name; instead, they might promote a group or a local hacker community.

This has led to something called "badgelife," where people design and create their own unique badges to wear in addition to the official conference badge. Some of these badges can be bought, but others you might have to earn by completing a challenge at the conference! One of the most famous and desired badges is the DefCon Black Badge. While these special badges started at DefCon, they are now seen at other conferences too.

Famous Hacker Conferences

• AthCon: The biggest hacker conference in South Eastern Europe, held every year in Athens, Greece.
• BSides: A community-driven conference that started in the US and is now held all over the world.
• CactusCon: The largest hacker and cybersecurity conference in Arizona, held annually since 2012.
• Chaos Communication Congress: The oldest and largest hacker conference in Europe, organized by the Chaos Computer Club.
• CIA Conference: A series of international conferences on cybersecurity that aim to connect the needs of businesses with the world of hacking.
• DEF CON: Held in Las Vegas, Nevada, this is one of the biggest hacker conventions in the United States.
• Ekoparty: A major hacker convention in Argentina and one of the most important in South America.
• Hack in the Box: An annual hacker conference.
• Hackers 2 Hackers Conference (H2HC): The oldest security research (hacking) conference in Latin America, and one of the oldest still active worldwide.
• Hackers on Planet Earth (HOPE): Held in New York City by 2600: The Hacker Quarterly every other year.
• Hacktivity: Held in Budapest, Hungary, this is the largest hacker conference in Central and Eastern Europe.
• Hardwear.io: A Hardware Security Conference held annually in The Hague, Netherlands, focusing on threats and attacks on computer hardware.
• INFILTRATE: A deep technical security conference that focuses on offensive technical issues.
• Kiwicon: A hacker convention held in Wellington, New Zealand.
• NorthSec: Held in Montreal, Quebec, this event features two days of talks followed by a 48-hour Capture The Flag game.
• Nuit Du Hack: The oldest and largest hacker conference in Paris, France.
• PhreakNIC: Held in Nashville, Tennessee, by Nashville 2600.
• RootedCON: Held in Madrid, Spain, this is one of the biggest hacker conferences in Europe.
• ShmooCon: An annual east coast hacker conference held in Washington, DC.
• Summercon: One of the oldest hacker conventions, which helped set the stage for more modern "cons" like H.O.P.E. and DEF CON.
• The Hackers Conference: India's biggest Cyber Security Conference held in New Delhi, India.
• THOTCON: A Chicago-based hacker conference held each spring.
• WildWestHackinFest: A conference focused on training and development held in Deadwood, South Dakota, where you can learn about hacking many things, including the IoT.

Non-annual hacker conventions

Some hacker conventions don't happen every year but are still very important. For example, a not-for-profit organization called Stichting HAL2001 holds a Dutch hacker convention every four years. Past events include HAL2001 (Hackers at Large), What the Hack (2005), and OHM (Observe Hack Make) in 2013. These events bring together hackers from all over to share knowledge and explore new ideas.