DEF CON SG marks the first time the legendary cybersecurity convention is being held in Southeast Asia. (Photo: DEF CON)
For the uninitiated, cybersecurity extravaganza DEF CON may seem like any other conference heavy on handshakes and deal-making.
If that’s what you think the inaugural Singapore edition of the event is going to be like, read this article. Till. The. End.
Held annually in Las Vegas, DEF CON typically features thousands of hackers, many of whom are inclined to do what they do best (hack things, of course). And they will do so either via official channels like the popular Capture the Flag competitions or, well, whatever else they can get their hands on – including your laptop or mobile phone.
DEF CON SG isn’t expected to be any different. So bear in mind the following DO NOTs before you head on down to the convention.
1. DO NOT trust any network
(Photo: Freepik)
That “Free DEFCON WiFi” network? Don’t even think about connecting to it, or any other seemingly official network that’s available.
Connecting to random networks at DEF CON is a surefire way to get your devices compromised. After all, hackers tend to compete among themselves when it comes to intercepting, spoofing and just messing around with network traffic at DEF CON – but in the name of fun, of course.
Still, harmless prank or not, it’s best to err on the side of caution. We’d suggest you use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or a hotspot. Some people would even go to the extent of using burner phones at DEF CON.
2. DO NOT plug random USB drives into your laptop
(Photo: Freepik)
You wouldn’t stuff a random cookie you found lying around in your mouth (or would you?). So don’t stick a random USB stick you find lying around DEF CON into your laptop.
At DEF CON, “free USB” is basically a guise for “please install malware on yourself”. Rule of thumb: if you didn’t bring it, don’t plug it.
In case you didn’t know, USB drives can be used to deliver malicious software, steal data and even deliver an electrical charge that destroys your device.
3. DO NOT overshare
(Photo: Freepik)
DEF CON is full of brilliant, curious people, many of whom are very good at social engineering.
You might think you’re just chatting about your job, your company, your systems. But what you’re doing might in fact be handing over a blueprint for how to break into your organisation.
Keep it friendly, keep it vague, and maybe don’t announce, “I manage our company’s entire security infrastructure” to a stranger wearing a lockpick badge. Duh.
4. DO NOT miss the Public Safety Village
(Photo: HTX)
DEF CON SG is the first time DEF CON is hosting a village dedicated to public safety.
What would you find here? Well, as the name suggests, you’d chance on cybersecurity challenges linked to real-world public safety technologies.
Think about hacking systems used for public safety like CCTV cameras, drones, quadrupeds and much more. Learn more about HTX’s public safety village at DEF CON SG here.
If you’re going to be at DEF CON SG on Day 1, do hang around to catch the finals of the HTX CTF Competition.
5. DO NOT pass on the “weird stuff”
(Photo: Freepik)
If you only attend the serious talks and skip the “oddball” villages (lockpicking, biohacking, social engineering…etc), you’re missing out on the magic of DEF CON. Don’t be the person who says, “I’ll just stick to what I know.”
Go try something strange. Worst case, you learn something new. Best case, you accidentally discover a new obsession.
Let curiosity lead the way but keep scepticism within reach so you don’t get hacked!
Taking place at Marina Bay Sands Singapore from 28-30 April, DEF CON Singapore has been made possible through a partnership between HTX and DEF CON, with the Centre of Strategic Infocomm Technologies (CSIT) as a strategic partner.
Get your tickets here!
