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Cybersecurity is the utmost concern for any person with an electronic device and any business with online presence – which basically makes up a dominant majority, at least in the developed countries.
We are all at different levels as far as cybersecurity is concerned – some have heard of the threats, but have no clear ideas of their sources and consequences, some and then there are the experts who’re at the front lines, making the cyberspace a safer place. Some are interested in the historical origins of spying, which is the direct predecessor of cyberspying and other cutting-edge virtual threats that sometimes infiltrate real life. There are literally dozens and dozens of international events related to all aspects of spying – from espionage history to the highest level of cyber-expert conferences.
Here’s a smorgasbord of different events around the US for 2018, with choices for amateur home-bred cyber experts to history buffs to more professional and experienced computer users.
Spies, Lies and Atomic Secrets: Santa Fe Spy Conference
This event involves a whole week of lectures, excursions, discussions, question and answer session, communicating with like-minded people. Road Scholar organized the conference, inviting history and espionage experts, operatives and intelligence experts to Santa Fe, NM for an unforgettable experience. The city was chosen as the location because it was home to the Manhattan Project in the 1940s. The lectures will touch upon a whole range of subjects, such as the Cold War-time nuclear espionage, cybercrimes of today, national security as it has been understood throughout history. A whole day will be devoted to the field trip to Los Alamos National Laboratory on the Pajarito Plateau that hosts the Bradbury Science Museum.
- October 21-27, 2018
- $1,999
- 7 days, 6 nights, 15 meals included
- Website – roadscholar.org
DefCon Hacking Conference
In comparison to other security events, this is a far more informal convention with fun hacking games and competitions. Debate panel discussions, which involve cutting-edge hacking strategies, take up the major segment of the conference, and it’s your chance to see the people and learn things that aren’t to be observed anywhere else.
- August 9-12, 2018 Las Vegas, NV
- Website – defcon.org.
BSides events
There is a multitude of BSides events – they are the sideline conferences that take place during other major security-related events, such as Black Hat or RSA. A person attending one conference may mingle with the attendees of the other one, or attend both. BSides events are organized by volunteers, and can take either a Structured or Unconference form. Unconferences are more informal, and are built around a certain topic, involve lots of open discussions moderated by experts.
- May 5, 2018 – Atlanta, GA
- May 26, 2018 New Orleans, LA
- August 7-8, 2018 Las Vegas, NV
- October 26, 2018 Washington, DC
- Website – securitybsides.com.
Conferences and conventions are a fun and efficient way to communicate with people who share your interest and learn new things. We’ve provided a very limited sample of what’s going on in the cybersecurity convention industry, but, in fact, there are many, and every person, with an interest in the sphere and any level of expertise can find something for themselves.