Has anyone been to defcon?

[gW]

So for the past few years I've really wanted to attend Defcon, and I'm really debating taking a trip to Defcon 22 this year. If any of you don't know what Defcon is, it's supposedly the biggest hacking conference there is basically. I haven't seen or heard of anything similar to Defcon, and from what I see it looks like an awesome weekend!

I was just wondering if any of you guys have been, or know someone who has that can give me a little insight. Thank you!

[M1lak0]

No have never been to Defcon.
Here In India there are Defcons too but bot that as US. It's really the most quality talks I watched.
I have watched many of its talks! I really love it.
And hey If you think Defcon is the only one then I am sure after this
https://www.blackhat.com/ you'll surely change your mind.
This is again another Con similar to Defcon.
you'll love it. Specially the US one.
and https://www.blackhat.com/featured-video-archive.html here are its video archives and here you go with its official channel on youtube http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ6q9Ie29ajGqKApbLqfBOg

Enjoy buddy!
 

[Daemon]

@M1lak0
The problem with BH is the cost, a ticket in the thousands compared to $200 for a defcon one. And there are some differences, heres the best explanation I've ever found describing the two:
http://securityreactions.tumblr.com/post/52215696972/me-at-blackhat-and-defcon

Oh, and heres another good explanation: http://securityreactions.tumblr.com/post/54427212715/defcon-vs-blackhat


@OP
I've been wanting to go too but things aren't working out, last year or this year unfortunately :/
However next year it's going to be Defcon or Bust for me!

[gW]

@Daemon

haha thanks man that cleared it up. I think that I've made the choice to go to Defcon this year though, hopefully everything goes smoothly with the trip. Also hopefully you'll get to attend soon!

[M1lak0]

@M1lak0
The problem with BH is the cost, a ticket in the thousands compared to $200 for a defcon one. And there are some differences, heres the best explanation I've ever found describing the two:
http://securityreactions.tumblr.com/post/52215696972/me-at-blackhat-and-defcon

Oh, and heres another good explanation: http://securityreactions.tumblr.com/post/54427212715/defcon-vs-blackhat

Ahahaha!! Nice explanation!!

[iTpHo3NiX]

@M1lak0
The problem with BH is the cost, a ticket in the thousands compared to $200 for a defcon one. And there are some differences, heres the best explanation I've ever found describing the two:
http://securityreactions.tumblr.com/post/52215696972/me-at-blackhat-and-defcon

Oh, and heres another good explanation: http://securityreactions.tumblr.com/post/54427212715/defcon-vs-blackhat


@OP
I've been wanting to go too but things aren't working out, last year or this year unfortunately :/
However next year it's going to be Defcon or Bust for me!

Right... I still want to go, but I won't be able to make it this year either, but Defcon 23 is the way to go. I would love to make it to the black hat mobile summit jcase knows his shit. However $3000+ is way over my price budget. I got a buddy that may be able to get me in/discounted tickets for anything in Las Vegas. Hopefully that goes through.

[Zoel.]

Anyone who attends events such as Defcon, BlackHat, etc. is permanently placed on the FBI's "persons of possible interest" list. Just a consideration if you are trying to keep yourself "squeaky clean" for a possible future career in the federal government or something similar.

[Architect]

I've never been to Blackhat but I went to Defcon 16 and I gotta say it was an experience. I met some interesting people in the crypto world and security industry, and they explained the perks and requirements of being a sec pro. To which I generally just said, "thanks but no thanks." I prefer to create and build rather than disassemble others' works. Although it can be rewarding to find out how things work, it's not so much in a monetary way. I like to explore though.But I'll never get paid  (at least not by any company, directly) to hack and research.

Anyway, the experience went very well for me considering I learned a lot and it made me more interested in lockpicking and programming, social engineering etc. But I have always liked those things a lot, so it wasn't much of an improvement. I did learn how to to new things, and how to better protect my identity and shit. I'd go again if I knew I would be approached by the FBI again. And yes, I am serious about that. No I will not describe the context or situation itself. Just know they are there and they will sometimes talk to you. On the low.

[Dameon]

I would like to attend one of these if not both of these conferences one day. The take themselves are cry good and when I have time I watch them. Didn't know BH was that expensive.

[Relapse]

I didn't know BH was that expensive, I would only go if my company endorsed the cost. I'm sure the large security companies expense the cost for all employees. Although Defcon would be the route to take for anyone seeking a good time and a large learning experience. I can guarantee the people at Defcon have the same intelligence, except they go for one purpose, have fun and enjoy the time with other hackers/professionals.

[Xires]

I went to some of the first defcon gatherings but it's changed quite a bit.  It used to be, essentially, a 'BOFHcon' and was lovely.  Now it's overly commercial and I can't go without risking a seizure.