DEF CON 31 is calling for ideas from both current and aspiring content creators for contests and villages to enhance the conference experience. DEF CON 30 videos will be released on YouTube soon, and the conference has celebrated its Capture the Flag winners. A variety of updates include the release of videos on agricultural cybersecurity, availability of the DEF CON 30 archive, and highlights from the event’s press coverage. The conference emphasizes community involvement, including calls for parties, music, vendors, and training sessions. COVID-19 safety measures are reiterated, ensuring masks will be required. The event focuses on the theme ‘Hacker Homecoming’ for its 30th anniversary, aiming to celebrate the hacker community’s resilience and reunion after the pandemic.
| name | description | change | 10-year | driving-force | relevancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Increased Participation from Content Creators | DEF CON encourages content creators to submit ideas for activities and contests. | Shift from passive attendance to active participation in shaping conference content. | Greater democratization of conference programming, leading to diverse voices and innovative formats. | Rise of social media and content creation platforms empowering individuals to share ideas. | 4 |
| Hybrid Events and Global Community Involvement | DEF CON hosts virtual parties and meetings, expanding global participation. | Transition from solely in-person events to hybrid models accommodating remote attendees. | A more inclusive hacker community with continuous online engagement throughout the year. | Advancements in technology facilitating remote participation and virtual reality experiences. | 5 |
| Focus on Accessibility for Disabled Participants | DEF CON provides resources and guides for hackers with disabilities. | From limited accessibility to a focus on inclusivity and support for disabled attendees. | Enhanced participation and representation of disabled individuals in tech and hacking communities. | Increased awareness and advocacy for disability rights and accessibility in events. | 4 |
| Emphasis on Cybersecurity Education and Training | Introduction of intensive training courses for skill development post-conference. | Shift from informal learning to structured educational offerings in cybersecurity. | A more knowledgeable and skilled hacker community with formal training pathways. | Growing demand for cybersecurity expertise in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. | 4 |
| Increased Interest in Right-to-Repair Movement | Discussions around hacking agricultural equipment highlight the right-to-repair issues. | From restricted access to devices to a push for consumer control and repairability. | Wider acceptance of right-to-repair principles leading to more repairable technology. | Consumer advocacy for sustainable practices and self-repair options in technology. | 5 |
| Community Engagement through Entertainment | DEF CON hosts movie nights and social events, enhancing community bonding. | From purely educational sessions to a blend of learning and entertainment. | A vibrant community culture that fosters collaboration through diverse engagement formats. | Desire for connection and shared experiences in the hacker community. | 3 |
| Focus on Cybersecurity Policy Awareness | DEF CON introduces discussions on tech policy and cybersecurity legislation. | Shift from technical focus to include policy discussions and community advocacy. | A more informed community actively participating in shaping tech policy and governance. | Recognition of the importance of policy in shaping the future of technology and security. | 4 |
| Decentralization of Hacking Competitions | New management for the Capture the Flag competition signals changing leadership. | From a single organization managing competitions to a more diverse set of organizers. | A richer variety of competitions fostering innovation and collaboration among different teams. | Desire for fresh perspectives and ideas in traditional hacking events. | 4 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Cybersecurity Threats to Agricultural Technology | Increased vulnerabilities in agricultural equipment such as tractors can be exploited, impacting food security and safety. | 5 |
| COVID-19 Safety Protocols | Potential spikes in COVID-19 transmission during large gatherings may pose health risks to attendees, especially the vulnerable. | 4 |
| Emerging Malware and Cyber Attacks | The rise of malware disguised as benign content (e.g., emojis) presents significant cybersecurity threats. | 5 |
| Right to Repair Movement Conflicts | Legal and technical challenges surrounding the ability to modify agricultural technology can hinder innovation and access. | 4 |
| Election Disinformation Risks | The prevalence of disinformation during elections could escalate due to technology used by hackers. | 5 |
| Technology Dependence on Outdated Systems | Reliance on outdated, unpatched hardware increases vulnerability to cyber attacks, as seen with John Deere tractors. | 5 |
| Inadequate Security Measures for New Technologies | Insufficient protections for new tech implementations could open avenues for exploitation and attacks. | 5 |
| Community Safety and Inclusivity | Ensuring accessibility and welcoming environments for all attendees, including those with disabilities, remains a concern. | 4 |
| International Cybersecurity Cooperation | Failure to collaborate internationally in cybersecurity efforts may leave gaps in defenses against global threats. | 5 |
| Privacy Concerns with New Payment Methods | Adoption of online payment methods may raise issues regarding data privacy and the security of personal information. | 4 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Community Engagement through Calls for Ideas | DEF CON actively invites community input for content creation, enhancing participation and collaboration among attendees. | 5 |
| Increased Accessibility Initiatives | The introduction of guides and resources for hackers with disabilities demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity. | 4 |
| Hybrid Event Models | The incorporation of online and in-person elements allows broader access to the DEF CON experience. | 5 |
| Focus on Cybersecurity Education | Launch of training sessions and workshops signifies a shift towards formal education in cybersecurity skills. | 4 |
| Emphasis on Health and Safety Protocols | Continued implementation of COVID-19 safety measures reflects a priority on attendee well-being during events. | 5 |
| Global Community Building | Virtual events for international participants show efforts to foster a global hacker community. | 4 |
| Creative Content Sharing | Encouragement of diverse content like movie nights and art contests promotes creativity within the community. | 3 |
| Sustainability and Ethical Concerns | Discussion of tech policy and ethics at DEF CON indicates a growing awareness of broader societal impacts of technology. | 4 |
| description | relevancy | src |
|---|---|---|
| Focus on the cyber security of agricultural equipment, highlighting vulnerabilities and potential exploits. | 4 | 9e24dea04b47a479cfabb28f6a7dd329 |
| Hosting events in virtual reality spaces to facilitate global community engagement and interaction. | 3 | 9e24dea04b47a479cfabb28f6a7dd329 |
| Technologies that promote the ability to repair and modify personal and commercial equipment, like tractors. | 5 | 9e24dea04b47a479cfabb28f6a7dd329 |
| Offering intensive courses with certification to enhance technical skills in cybersecurity. | 4 | 9e24dea04b47a479cfabb28f6a7dd329 |
| Interactive competitions that simulate real-world hacking scenarios for training and engagement. | 4 | 9e24dea04b47a479cfabb28f6a7dd329 |
| Efforts to educate the hacker community on tech policy and its impact on digital lives. | 3 | 9e24dea04b47a479cfabb28f6a7dd329 |
| Utilizing platforms like Discord for community engagement and information sharing. | 3 | 9e24dea04b47a479cfabb28f6a7dd329 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Cybersecurity in Agriculture | The talk on agricultural equipment cyber security highlights the growing importance of securing agricultural technology against cyber threats. | 4 |
| Right to Repair Movement | The discussion on John Deere tractors and jailbreaking reflects a larger movement advocating for consumer rights to repair their own devices. | 4 |
| Impact of Cyber Attacks on Critical Infrastructure | Recent incidents of hacking commercial satellites and agricultural equipment underscore vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. | 5 |
| Election Disinformation and Cybersecurity | Concerns over election disinformation at hacker conferences indicate a rising focus on the intersection of cybersecurity and political integrity. | 5 |
| Accessibility in Tech Events | The introduction of an Infopack for Hackers with Disabilities shows a growing awareness and need for inclusivity in tech communities. | 3 |
| COVID-19 Protocols in Public Events | Ongoing discussions about COVID-19 protocols at live events highlight the need for continued vigilance in public health. | 4 |
| Emerging Trends in Cyber Defense | Statements from cybersecurity leaders about collective defense strategies reflect evolving approaches to national and international cyber threats. | 4 |
| Hybrid Event Formats | The adaptation of hybrid formats for conferences demonstrates a shift in how events will be conducted in the future. | 3 |
| Growing Importance of Tech Policy | The push for policy discussions at DEF CON indicates a growing intersection between technology and policymaking. | 4 |
| Community Engagement in Cybersecurity | The emphasis on community involvement and transparency in events signifies a trend toward collaborative approaches in cybersecurity. | 4 |