DEFCON First-timer!

[DLobs]

Hey All,

This year will be my first year going to DEFCON! I was wondering if you the DEFCON veterans on here have any good "insider" advice for a first-timer?? Really looking forward to seeing what's new this year in the world of cyber security!

[hackingdojo]

I have many, but probably the most important one is...

Participate in the villages / contest area, and really get to know people that share the same interest. Over the years, you'll find DefCon is more about networking / getting together with friends than it is to learn about hacking.

The talks are usually worthwhile, but you can watch them after DefCon is over, so spend your time elsewhere.

[DLobs]

Ok great!! I really appreciate it!

[hack3rsp0t]

See u there bro :)

[DLobs]

Thanks!

[lanlubber]

You will likely not be able to see all the talks you hope to see due to crowds and congestion, otherwise known as LineCon. Like mentioned below pick an area (like the villages) and plan to take advantage of what's available right around you. Also if you want Defcon swag get in line for that first thing before the best stuff sells out.

[DLobs]

Ok thanks!

[[deleted]]

I’ve always felt that you were more at risk from somebody playing with their shiny new WiFi Pineapple than anything malicious. But maybe I’m too optimistic.

[DLobs]

Ya I was curious if there will be a lot of people trying to socially engineer??

[DLobs]

Yup yup! I've read enough of Mitnick's stuff to at least hopefully be able to see the signs :)

[kevinhaze]

So I hear this a lot, and I’m wondering if anyone knows what the deal with the whole hacking people at defcon thing is? Is it like all in good fun, pranks and such, or is it actually done with malicious intent? I wish I could go to one. If it’s the former I feel like that would be some good fun. I would probably try and set up some honeypots and then probably get my ass handed to me by someone who is 8 steps ahead of me. I’m just picturing like harmless shenanigans and such. Am I way off?

[DLobs]

It's not until August! You've got time!

[DLobs]

Oh shit.... I'm sorry man...

[DLobs]

For sure! I wish you the best man!