Started in 1992 by the Dark Tangent, DefCon is the world’s longest running and largest underground hacking conference. DefCon is known for its intense focus on computer security and hacking, and it provides a forum for some of the brightest minds in the field to share their knowledge and collaborate on new projects.

Hackers, corporate IT professionals, and three-letter government agencies converge on Las Vegas every summer to absorb cutting-edge hacking research and test their skills in contests of hacking might. Attending Defcon is an experience unlike any other. You are immersed in a world of technology and innovation from the moment you arrive and the atmosphere is electric with excitement and anticipation. Everywhere you look, you see people who are passionate about technology and eager to learn and share their knowledge.

One of the most exciting things about Defcon is the wide variety of available events and activities. There are talks and presentations on various topics, from the latest exploits and vulnerabilities to cutting-edge research in fields like cryptography and artificial intelligence. There are also numerous workshops and training sessions, where attendees can learn new skills and techniques from some of the most experienced hackers in the world.

DefCon comes right on the heels of Black Hat, a conference and trade show for cybersecurity professionals. While Black Hat feels more like a traditional Vegas trade show, DEFCON is anything but!

How is DEFCON different from other conventions?

Well first, DEFCON is run by volunteers and has no corporate sponsorship.  Second, there is no online registration, so even the organizers really don’t know who is attending.

When you arrive, everything is paid for with CASH! They don’t take Credit Cards — most of these people attending really don’t want a record of them attending. Everyone from your average everyday hacker to criminals and agents from government agencies like the FBI, CIA and National Security Agency will attend.

When you enter, you pay $280 cash and they hand you a generic badge — NO ID is required for admittance.

Of course, attending Defcon also requires a certain degree of caution and vigilance. The conference attracts many people, from seasoned security professionals to curious hobbyists to malicious hackers and sometimes downright jerks looking to cause trouble. As a result, it is important to be careful with your personal information and to take precautions to protect your devices and data. Attendees are encouraged to use virtual private networks (VPNs) and other security tools to protect themselves from potential attacks.

DEFCON EVENTS & VILLAGES

In addition to the formal events, there are also many informal gatherings and social events. These range from impromptu hacking challenges and capture-the-flag contests to parties and networking events. One of the most popular events is the “Wall of Sheep,” where attendees can watch in real-time as unsuspecting conference-goers display their usernames and passwords on a giant screen.

Ham Radio Village at DEF CON 

Ham radio isn’t just what your grandpa does in the shed out back. Radios are an important piece of technology we use everyday, and amateur (“ham”) radio has been at the forefront of its development since day one — we are some of the original hardware hackers! DIY, exploration, and sharing has always been a vital part of our community and the goal of Ham Radio Village is to nurture this growth into the next generation with all of the amazing people at DEF CON.

Our village will have demos, talks, presentations, contests, and of course, license exams!

So come visit Ham Radio Village to learn more about the hobby, including how antennas work (and how to build your own), how to actually use that software defined radio sitting on the shelf, how to trackdown a rogue transmitter with a handheld radio, and how you can _legally_ transmit 1,500 Watts into the airwaves after taking a simple multiple-choice test!

DEFCON Party List

Coming as we get closer to the event.