Posts Tagged ‘CybersecurityEducation’
[DefCon32] DEF CON 32: Cultivating M4D SK1LLZ In the DEF CON Community
Yan Shoshitaishvili and Perri Adams, alongside collaborators like Connor Nelson, introduced DEF CON Academy, an ambitious initiative to elevate novice hackers to elite status, at DEF CON 32. Yan, a professor at Arizona State University, and Perri, a key figure in the DEF CON community, shared their vision for providing accessible, inclusive resources to nurture hacker talent. Their presentation highlighted the Academy’s role in fostering skill development through year-round programs and hands-on challenges, inspiring attendees to transcend the hallways and “hack the planet.”
The Vision of DEF CON Academy
Yan opened by describing DEF CON’s magnetic pull, drawing thousands to Las Vegas to witness legendary exploits and aspire to greatness. He noted that while talent and perseverance are vital, many newcomers lack the support needed to excel. DEF CON Academy, supported by Arizona State University and Jeff Moss (The Dark Tangent), aims to bridge this gap with open, practical resources. Yan showcased the Academy’s CTF platform, where participants like Chi Chessum and NN Goose earned challenge coins, demonstrating the program’s immediate impact.
Building Inclusive Learning Pathways
Perri emphasized the Academy’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring resources are approachable for diverse learners. She highlighted interactive challenges and year-round events that complement DEF CON’s annual gathering. By providing clear, structured pathways, the Academy empowers novices to develop skills in areas like binary exploitation and network security. Perri’s vision, backed by collaborators like Connor, fosters a supportive environment where aspiring hackers can connect with mentors and peers, breaking down barriers to entry.
Hands-On Learning Through CTF
Yan demonstrated the Academy’s CTF platform, despite Wi-Fi challenges, showcasing real-time engagement with 24 solvers and 603 total solves. The live demo, though briefly hampered by technical issues, illustrated the platform’s potential to engage learners actively. Yan’s enthusiasm for community-driven education highlighted how the Academy leverages DEF CON’s competitive spirit to cultivate practical skills, encouraging participants to tackle challenges and earn recognition through tangible achievements like challenge coins.
Empowering the Next Generation
Concluding, Perri and Yan called on the DEF CON community to contribute to the Academy’s growth, thanking supporters like Jeff Moss for enabling this initiative. They envision a future where every hacker, regardless of background, can access the tools and mentorship needed to excel. By fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning, DEF CON Academy aims to elevate the community’s skill level, ensuring the next generation of hackers is equipped to tackle cyberspace’s toughest challenges.