Posted on Aug 25, 2014
Has anyone on RP ever attended Blackhat and or DEFCON conferences?
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I just attended Blackhat 2014 and DEFCON 22 for the first time in my career and it was amazing. I haven't seen that many kilts since the last time I watched Braveheart. Also I thought Mohawk haircuts went away after the 80's but there were many of them in every color you imagine.
Security
Hacking
Las Vegas
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 3
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Yes. I'm from Vegas, and I went to DEFCON for 6 years straight, and Blackhat twice.
DEFCON has long been a hacker/enthusiast gathering, while Blackhat is geared toward more security professionals. Anyone can have a bit of fun at DEFCON, but you have to be a true computer geek to get much out of Blackhat. The more I work in the Computer Security field, the more I long to go back to Blackhat, and gradually lose the desire to go to DEFCON.
DEFCON has long been a hacker/enthusiast gathering, while Blackhat is geared toward more security professionals. Anyone can have a bit of fun at DEFCON, but you have to be a true computer geek to get much out of Blackhat. The more I work in the Computer Security field, the more I long to go back to Blackhat, and gradually lose the desire to go to DEFCON.
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PO1 (Join to see)
MAJ Jean and Cpl Brett Wagner, I just completed MBA in concentration on Information Security. I have very little hands-on and sick and tired of nothing but writing essays. I'm a security forces specialist by trade (equivalent to SSG MP). Is there a good place out there to get some hands on with social engineering and 'hacking' skills? Volunteering maybe? Let me know, thank you!
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MAJ (Join to see)
Cpl Brett Wagner, keep in mind I haven't been to either in about 5 years, so results may vary. The last time I was at DEFCON, it was still at the Alexis Park Hotel, which hasn't been used for at least 3-4 years. It's possible it's changed since then, and that BlackHat has gotten more spammy. Likewise, the last time I went to BlackHat, I went as much to see Dan Kaminsky's talk as anything else...
I will say this -- I loved the lock picking competitions that DEFCON always had. I got my first set of picks there. My second was from the Army.
I will say this -- I loved the lock picking competitions that DEFCON always had. I got my first set of picks there. My second was from the Army.
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Cpl Brett Wagner
MAJ Ryan Jean - I went a little wild with the lock picking gear and the RF wireless products spent waaaay too much. But I don't gamble.
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Suspended Profile
Went to both Black Hat and DEFCON in 2008, but on the Government's dime. Not sure I would pay for it out of pocket though. You can access videos and presentations from both conferences after they have ended.
Cpl Brett Wagner
I thought both were good but DEFCON was awesome. I would the $200 for DEFCON not the $600 - $2000 for Blackhat.
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We in the Scottish Clans wear our kilts proudly. As for Blackhat and DEFCON I have attended either for quite awhile now. looks like I need to pick back up. I found it to be much the way the Major described a few years back. Don't know about 2014.
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Cpl Brett Wagner
LtCol Garret Whiteside I understand what you are saying about being proud tp wear the kilt. I was married in one and still own one in the Marine Corps tartan (it may not fit though). These wear not those type of kilts. They were mad of a denim material with pockets on them. No tartan, no kilt pin, no sporran. not even a Sgian Dubh. Barbarians I tell you.
I use to live in Alexandria, VA where they have the games and Piobaireachd or Ceòl Mòr competition too. Now I am all the way out in Purcellville, VA.
I use to live in Alexandria, VA where they have the games and Piobaireachd or Ceòl Mòr competition too. Now I am all the way out in Purcellville, VA.
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LtCol Garret Whiteside
The VA games have moved from Alexandria to Great Meadows. Not to far from you. You may want to check them out. I help with Richmond area games, Frederick, MD and the Bridgeport, WV games.
The new utility kilts are different but very popular in Scotland just not traditional.
The new utility kilts are different but very popular in Scotland just not traditional.
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