Some of the North IT team were lucky enough to visit DEFCON 2023 in Las Vegas again and it was nothing short of an exhilarating deep dive into the world of cybersecurity, where hackers, researchers, and enthusiasts gather for one of the most iconic cybersecurity conferences in the world. From thought-provoking talks to hands-on hacking challenges, the event provided a glimpse into the cutting-edge developments in cybersecurity and the vibrant culture that surrounds it.
Day 1: Entering the Hackerverse
I, the writer, fresh meat to the North IT team, had never experienced a DEFCON and anticipated what was to come, as I adorned my complimentary welcome drawstring bag and the famous DEFCON badge. The moment I stepped into DEFCON 31, I was greeted by the cool sharpness of Caesars Forum, and I’m not just talking about the air conditioning! I saw like-minded cyber experts in varying stages of their own excitement, and the general buzz of the extraordinary venue left me in awe. The energy was electric, as thousands of attendees from all walks of life—ethical hackers, security experts, researchers, and hobbyists—gathered for a week of learning, hacking, and collaboration.
The opening keynote set the tone for the event, with discussions on the evolving threat landscape and the rise of AI in both offensive and defensive cybersecurity. It was fascinating to see how artificial intelligence is both empowering security tools and being exploited by attackers. The intersection of AI and cybersecurity is clearly going to be a hot topic in the coming years.
The Villages: Hands-On Hacking Havens
One of the most unique aspects of DEFCON is its villages—interactive spaces dedicated to various security domains, from car hacking and IoT security to biohacking and social engineering. I spent a considerable amount of time at the IoT Village, where I got hands-on experience with real-world hacking scenarios on connected devices. The vulnerabilities in seemingly benign devices were eye-opening, reinforcing the importance of securing IoT ecosystems. This made us think about branching out into areas we have previously overlooked, one being the boating industry, this notion was heavily fuelled by Paul’s (North IT Managing Director) love of boats.
The Lockpicking Village was also a personal highlight. Lock picking is a DEFCON tradition, and trying it first-hand gave me a new appreciation for physical security and its parallels to cybersecurity.
Talks, Workshops, and Insights
DEFCON’s talks and workshops are always a major draw, offering insights from some of the brightest minds in cybersecurity. This year, the focus on supply chain attacks, zero-day vulnerabilities, and nation-state threats was particularly relevant. The talks provided not only technical deep dives but also strategic perspectives on how to stay ahead in an ever-evolving threat landscape.
One standout session discussed the dangers of generative AI in crafting highly sophisticated phishing campaigns. The speaker demonstrated how attackers can use AI to generate convincing emails, voice deepfakes, and even manipulate images to exploit trust—a stark reminder of the dual-edged nature of technological advancement.
I also personally enjoyed the foil hat making… Just because!
Community and Culture
Beyond the tech and hacking, DEFCON is about community. Walking through the conference, I met people from all over the world, each with their own stories, expertise, and passion for cybersecurity. Whether it was chatting with someone about the latest exploits or discussing career paths in cybersecurity, there was a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.
At North IT we value the community aspect of working in a niche sector and sharing ideas, helpful tools and information to support those working in cybersecurity. Since talking to some likeminded companies at DEFCON we now have a regular release of YouTube videos in the hope that we can provide free, helpful and valuable tips of the trade to those in the cybersecurity community.
DEFCON Parties and Networking
No DEFCON experience is complete without mentioning the after-parties and networking events. They provided a more relaxed atmosphere to unwind after a day of intense learning and hacking. Conversations flowed freely about everything from the future of cybersecurity to the best hacking tools of the moment. DEFCON is as much about building connections as it is about building knowledge.
If you are thinking about visiting Las Vegas for DEFCON, or not, here is some of my favourite things to do whilst at DEFCON;
DECFON after parties: After all the seriousness of the day, the parties that take place are euphoric. Free to DEFCON goers, but just as energetic and playful as you may find in any club in Vegas.
Pool party: Especially a DEFCON pool party! There is nothing more satisfying than being surrounded by likeminded people in a totally out there setting.
Las Vegas old town: Moving away From DEFCON a little, old town is an absolute must for Las Vegas, the bars are outstanding, Slotzilla Zipline, and my personal favourite is Heart Attack Grill. You WILL get spanked with a paddle at Heart Attack Grill if you don’t finish your food. Ask Paul.
Conclusion: DEFCON’s Impact
DEFCON 2023 left a lasting impression on the team. It’s more than just a cybersecurity conference—it’s an ecosystem where cutting-edge ideas are exchanged, and the boundaries of cybersecurity are pushed. The blend of technical expertise, hacker culture, and a genuine sense of community is what makes DEFCON unique.
This event is one of the many that the team at North IT attend, not only for networking and information but for the love of what we do. Working in cybersecurity can be tough, however with a brilliant team around you and the odd amazing experience, a career in cybersecurity can feel like a lifelong passion rather than a job.
If you would like to find out more about DEFCON or would like to collaborate over the cybersecurity community feel free to drop us an email at talk@northit.co.uk.
We hope to see you at the next DEFCON!