DEF CON Chronicles: High-Octane Hacking, Audacious Exploits, and Unforgettable Stories

Welcome, Digital Explorers!

Official DEF CON 31 Artwork by Mar Williams

Brace yourself for a journey into the heart of DEF CON - an event that goes beyond a mere hacker conference, transforming into a vibrant crossroads for rebels, innovators, and cyber defenders. Keyport has had the privilege of standing amidst this whirlwind for the past 12 years, bringing our everyday carry devices designed for personal security to the DEF CON & Keyport faithful while soaking in the excitement.

The Art and Intrigue of DEF CON Badges

DEF CON 24 Press, Human, and Artist Badges via Engadget

Starting at the beginning, DEF CON badges are far more than simple entry passes. They are coveted tokens of the conference, each year featuring unique, often intricate designs that spark excitement and curiosity. The badges are often electronic and contain puzzles or hidden features. They have come in many shapes and forms over the years, from playing cards to vinyl records, and even fully functional mini-computers. These badges are central to the DEF CON experience, adding an extra layer of mystery and discovery to the event. They're an embodiment of DEF CON's creative spirit, sparking friendly competition among attendees to decipher the embedded clues and complete the badge challenge, which often relates to the conference's overarching theme.

The Infamous DEF CON Black Badge

Official Black Badge Won by Team Echelon at DEF CON 30 

The DEF CON Black Badge is the holy grail for any DEF CON attendee. A symbol of ultimate hacking prowess and intellectual dexterity, the Black Badge is awarded to winners of official DEF CON contests. Possessing a Black Badge is more than just a matter of prestige; it grants the holder free lifetime entry to future DEF CON conferences. However, earning one is no small feat. It requires triumphing in highly competitive and mentally demanding contests that push the boundaries of hacking and security knowledge. From Capture the Flag (CTF) to the Social Engineering Capture the Flag (SECTF), each contest winner is honored with this elusive symbol of hacking supremacy. So, if you ever encounter a Black Badge holder, know that you're in the presence of a true master in the realm of hacking.

DEF CON: A Theater of Legendary Hacks

DEF CON is a theater where audacious demonstrations of hacking prowess take center stage.

The Warkitting Prowess (DEF CON 15): At DEF CON 15, the dynamic hacker duo of 'RenderMan' and 'Major Malfunction' showcased the dangers of 'warkitting,' a blend of 'war driving' and 'rootkitting.' They hacked an innocent-looking wireless router, turning it into a malicious hotspot that could spy on all data passing through it. This demonstration emphasized the need for secure Wi-Fi practices.

ATM Jackpotting (DEF CON 18): At DEF CON 18, Barnaby Jack, a renowned security researcher, demonstrated a 'jackpotting' hack on two ATM machines. He made them spit out cash on demand, much like hitting a jackpot on a slot machine. He showcased how cybercriminals could exploit these machines, underscoring the urgent need for improved ATM security.

The $14,000 PlayStation Hack (DEF CON 18): During DEF CON 18, hacker George Hotz, aka 'geohot,' shared his journey to jailbreaking the PlayStation 3. He exploited a function in the PS3 to sign his own homebrew code and run it on the machine, effectively cracking Sony's robust security measures. The hack cost him only $14,000 and cemented his status as a hacker superstar.

"And That's How I Lost My Eye: Exploring Emergency Data Destruction" (DEF CON 19): Zoz's unforgettable presentation at DEF CON 19 was a wakeup call on the fragility of data security.

The Great Tesla Hack (DEF CON 22): Perhaps one of the most famous car hacks in history occurred at DEF CON 22. Hackers Marc Rogers and Kevin Mahaffey took the stage to reveal the vulnerabilities they'd discovered in the Tesla Model S. Although Tesla had one of the most secure vehicles on the market, the duo was able to shut down a Model S while it was driving, a feat that got the entire world's attention.

"Drive it like you Hacked it" (DEF CON 23): In a remarkable session at DEF CON 23, Samy Kamkar peeled back the veil on the vulnerabilities of modern cars. A chilling revelation that spurred us at Keyport to dig deeper into the nuances of personal security.

The Voting Machine Hack (DEF CON 25): In an eye-opening demonstration during DEF CON 25, participants in the Voting Village were given free rein over used voting machines. The result? Every single one was effectively hacked, some in as little as 90 minutes. This hack brought attention to the serious vulnerabilities in voting infrastructure, triggering a nationwide debate about election security.

More Legendary DEF CON Hijinx

Social Engineering Contest: Over the years, the DEF CON Social Engineering Capture the Flag (SECTF) contest has provided some of the most mind-boggling tales. Contestants, armed only with a phone and their persuasion skills, have attempted to extract confidential information from unwitting companies, highlighting the human element in the security chain.

The Wall of Sheep: A DEF CON Tradition The Wall of Sheep is a potent symbol of DEF CON's blend of education and humor. This public wake-up call exposes those who fall prey to insecure connections. It's an unsettling but vital reminder of the omnipresence of digital vulnerabilities, echoing Keyport's ethos that awareness is the cornerstone of personal security.

Welcome to DEF CON N00b - Consider Yourself Hacked! 

More DEF CON Stories