DEF CON Diaries #1: What You Need to Know and Have

It is that time of year again: Hacker Summer Camp!
For those of you not familiar with that term, Hacker Summer Camp is when cybersecurity professionals, hackers, and tech enthusiasts all meet in Vegas and explore a plethora of conferences, including but not limited to BSides Las Vegas, Black Hat, and DEF CON. These conferences gather people from all over the world, and many of whom have the same question; what do I need?

If this is your first time being a camper or your thirtieth time, let’s break down some bare essentials that you will need during the conference: 

1. Lip balm. Keep in mind that Nevada is a desert that will reach 114 degrees today; your lips will get chapped, red, and leave you trying to figure out how to hide the lip burn that will magically appear. Please stay hydrated and keep in mind this nugget of advice applies to both men and women; the sun does not discriminate. 
2. Business cards. Make a physical and last impact by giving your client a tangible item. A business card is small and light enough for easy transportation but also leads to easier reference when the client later decides they need to follow up. 
3. Comfortable shoes. The conference takes place in the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino, and the Mandalay is known for its vast size. For reference, the hotel is connected to the Luxor hotel, and the two locations have a tram to help transport customers due to how large it is. Alongside that, many vendors are hosting events near and around the hotel, leaving you to have to walk for an unknown amount of time. Make having comfortable shoes a priority.
4. A portable charger (or cable). The last thing you want is to miss a seminar or event because you could not access your phone. Alongside that, note that heat makes your phone battery drain faster and you may experience a shortened battery life if you leave your phone in the heat. 
5. A pair of light clothes. Visiting the convention center to check in before the masses attended left me feeling cold as the AC turned the hallway into a wind tunnel; however, I still recommend bringing a pair of light clothes. This is not only due to the fact that it is going to be frighteningly hot outside, but some of the rooms and areas may feel warmer as more people attend, increasing the amount of body heat. 

Honorable Mention

1. Aluminum foil. More than one person has advised me to bring aluminum foil to protect my phone from electromagnetic waves. Even more people told me to bring extra foil and wear it as a hat. I hold no professional insight on this or the effectiveness of aluminum foil, but felt like this long-believed myth deserved a spot on this list. 

About the Author

Carmen Estela is a Cybersecurity Research Analyst at Cyber Defense Magazine and a Women in Cybersecurity Award Candidate. She recently graduated with a Master of Science degree from the University of Central Florida and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology from the University of Florida with certifications in Data Analytics and AI Fundamentals. She frequently speaks and volunteers at well-known industry gatherings, such as BSides Orlando and BSides Jax, where she offers her perspectives on emerging cyber trends. Carmen is committed to advancing the standards of governance, risk, and compliance within cybersecurity. She has also served as an adult protective investigator, police dispatcher, and legal intern, applying investigative skills across law enforcement, academic, and public service settings. 

Reach her online at [email protected].