Posts Tagged ‘JeffMoss’
[DefCon32] Changing Global Threat Landscape
Rob Joyce, a distinguished former National Security Agency (NSA) official, joined Jeff Moss, known as The Dark Tangent and founder of DEF CON, for a riveting fireside chat at DEF CON 32. Their discussion delved into the dynamic evolution of global cyber threats, with a particular focus on the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in reshaping cybersecurity. Rob, recently retired after 34 years at the NSA, brought a wealth of experience from roles such as Cybersecurity Coordinator at the White House and head of the NSA’s Tailored Access Operations. Jeff facilitated a conversation that explored how AI is redefining defense strategies and the broader implications for global security, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities ahead.
The Evolution of Cyber Threats
Rob began by reflecting on his extensive career at the NSA, where he witnessed the transformation of cyber threats from isolated incidents to sophisticated, state-sponsored campaigns. He highlighted how adversaries now leverage AI to enhance attack vectors, such as spear-phishing and polymorphic malware, which adapt dynamically to evade detection. Rob emphasized that the scale and speed of these threats demand a shift from reactive to proactive defenses, underscoring the importance of understanding adversaries’ intentions through signals intelligence. His experience during the Iraq War as an issue manager provided a unique perspective on the strategic use of cyber intelligence to counter evolving threats.
AI’s Dual Role in Cybersecurity
The conversation pivoted to AI’s dual nature as both a tool for attackers and defenders. Rob explained how AI enables rapid analysis of vast datasets, allowing defenders to identify patterns and anomalies that would be impossible for human analysts alone. However, he cautioned that adversaries exploit similar capabilities to craft advanced persistent threats (APTs) and automate large-scale attacks. Jeff probed the balance between automation and human oversight, to which Rob responded that AI-driven tools, like those developed by the NSA, are critical for scaling defenses, particularly for protecting critical infrastructure. The integration of AI, he noted, is essential to keep pace with the growing complexity of cyber threats.
Strengthening Defenses Through Collaboration
Rob stressed the importance of bipartisan support for cybersecurity, noting that stopping foreign adversaries is a shared goal across administrations. He highlighted the role of the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) in convening agencies to synchronize efforts, citing examples where ground-up collaboration among agencies has led to effective threat mitigation. Jeff asked about the resource gap, and Rob acknowledged that the scope of threats often outpaces available resources. He advocated for widespread adoption of two-factor authentication and secure software development practices, such as moving away from memory-unsafe languages, to build more defensible systems.
Building a Resilient Future
Concluding, Rob expressed optimism about the trajectory of cybersecurity, emphasizing that automation can alleviate the burden on security teams, particularly for 24/7 operations. He underscored the need for robust teams and innovative technologies to address the relentless pace of vulnerabilities exploited by attackers. Jeff echoed this sentiment, encouraging the DEF CON community to contribute to shaping a secure digital landscape. Their dialogue highlighted the critical role of collaboration between government, industry, and the hacker community in navigating the ever-changing threat landscape.
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[DefCon32] Fireside Chat – The Dark Tangent and DNSA Anne Neuberger
Jeff Moss, known as The Dark Tangent, founder of DEF CON, engages in a dynamic fireside chat with Anne Neuberger, Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology. Their conversation at DEF CON 32 explores pressing cybersecurity issues, including artificial intelligence and quantum computing, from the White House’s perspective. Jeff and Anne discuss how the hacker community can influence policy, fostering collaboration to enhance global digital resilience.
Navigating Emerging Technologies
Anne opens by outlining her role in shaping the Biden Administration’s cybersecurity policies, emphasizing the transformative potential of AI and quantum computing. She highlights the need for resilient digital systems, given their critical role in hospitals and power grids. Jeff complements this by noting DEF CON’s history of hosting government speakers, underscoring the importance of dialogue between hackers and policymakers.
Strengthening Global Cooperation
The discussion shifts to international cybersecurity cooperation, with Anne detailing efforts to align allies against digital threats. She explains how coordinated responses can de-escalate conflicts, reducing the risk of cyberattacks by nation-states or criminals. Jeff probes the practicalities of these partnerships, highlighting the hacker community’s role in testing and refining these strategies.
Engaging the Hacker Community
Anne emphasizes the DEF CON community’s unique ability to identify vulnerabilities and propose innovative solutions. She encourages hackers to engage with government initiatives, leveraging tools like generative AI to patch vulnerabilities swiftly. Jeff reinforces this, noting that DEF CON’s open forum allows for candid feedback, shaping policies that reflect real-world challenges.
Building a Resilient Future
Concluding, Anne reflects on her privilege to serve in government, driven by a commitment to freedom and security. She invites hackers to collaborate on building robust digital systems, ensuring safety for critical infrastructure worldwide. Jeff echoes this call, envisioning DEF CON as a catalyst for policy improvements, with Anne’s return next year symbolizing ongoing partnership.
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[DefCon32] DEF CON Unplugged: Cocktails & Cyber with Jeff & Jen
Jen Easterly, Director of CISA, and Jeff Moss, founder of DEF CON, engage in a candid “Ask Me Anything” session, blending mixology with cybersecurity insights. Their informal dialogue, set against Jen’s cocktail-making, addresses pressing issues like cyber liability and secure software development. As members of CISA’s advisory council, Jen and Jeff offer a unique perspective on fostering a secure digital ecosystem through collaboration and accountability.
Navigating Cyber Liability
Jen and Jeff tackle a question on cyber liability, acknowledging its complexity due to legal frameworks focusing on proximate causes, like human errors in ransomware attacks, rather than root issues. Jen emphasizes the need for a cultural shift toward security, referencing CISA’s Cyber Safety Review Board report, which highlights vendor accountability. Their discussion underscores the challenge of legislating liability without a major incident driving change.
Building a Secure Ecosystem
The duo explores levers for enhancing cybersecurity, such as fostering a culture of responsibility among software vendors. Jen highlights the importance of product differentiation through secure development practices, while Jeff stresses the role of community engagement in shaping policy. Their dialogue, enriched by real-world examples, advocates for proactive measures to prevent devastating cyberattacks.
Community Engagement and Collaboration
Reflecting on DEF CON’s role, Jen shares her enthusiasm for the conference as a hub for hacker innovation. She and Jeff emphasize the value of open dialogue, as seen in their AMA format, to bridge gaps between government and the hacker community. By encouraging questions, they foster a collaborative environment where ideas can shape future cybersecurity strategies.
Future Directions for Cybersecurity
Concluding, Jen and Jeff call for sustained efforts to protect critical capabilities from malicious actors, including nation-states and criminals. Their session, blending humor with policy insights, inspires attendees to contribute to a more secure digital landscape through shared responsibility and innovative thinking.
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[DefCon32] Welcome to DEF CON 32
Amid the vibrant energy of a gathering that has evolved over decades, Jeff Moss, founder of DEF CON, extends a heartfelt invitation to participants, emphasizing the essence of community and shared discovery. Drawing from his experiences since initiating the event 32 years ago, Jeff reflects on its growth from a modest assembly to a sprawling nexus of innovation. His remarks serve as an orientation, guiding attendees through the philosophy that underpins the conference, while encouraging them to forge their own paths in a landscape brimming with possibilities.
Jeff underscores the principle that the event’s value lies in individual contributions, acknowledging the impossibility of experiencing every facet. Early iterations allowed him to witness all activities, yet as attendance swelled, he embraced the reality of missing moments, transforming it into motivation for expanding offerings. This mindset fosters an environment where participants can prioritize personal interests, whether technical pursuits or interpersonal connections.
The structure facilitates meaningful interactions by segmenting the crowd into affinity clusters, such as those focused on automotive exploits or physical barriers. Such divisions enable deeper engagements, turning vast numbers into intimate collaborations. Jeff highlights the encouragement of inquiry, recognizing the specialization driven by technological complexity, which renders no single expert all-knowing.
Origins and Inclusivity
Tracing the roots, Jeff recounts how exclusion from invite-only gatherings inspired an open-door policy, rejecting seasonal naming to avoid constraints. This decision marked a pivotal divergence, prioritizing accessibility over restriction. Growth necessitated strategies to manage scale without diluting intimacy, leading to diverse tracks and villages that cater to niche passions.
The ethos promotes authenticity, allowing attendees to express themselves freely while respecting boundaries. Jeff shares anecdotes illustrating the blend of serendipity and intent that defines encounters, urging newcomers to engage without hesitation.
Global Perspectives and Accountability
Jeff broadens the view to international contexts, noting how varying educational systems influence entry into the field. In some regions, extended periods of exploration nurture creativity, contrasting with structured paths elsewhere. He celebrates the cultural embrace of setbacks as stepping stones, aligning with narratives of resilience.
To ensure trust, a code of conduct governs interactions, applicable universally. Enforcement through transparency reports holds organizers accountable, publicly detailing infractions to validate community standards. This mechanism reinforces integrity, even when confronting uncomfortable truths.
Jeff transitions to highlighting speakers like General Nakasone, whose insights demystify complex topics. Originating from efforts to verify online claims, these sessions connect attendees with authoritative voices, bridging gaps in understanding.
In closing, Jeff invites immersion, promising encounters that enrich beyond expectations.
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[DefCon32] Closing Ceremonies & Awards
As the echoes of innovation and collaboration fade from the halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center, the closing ceremonies of DEF CON 32 encapsulate the spirit of a community that thrives on engagement, resilience, and shared purpose. Hosted by Jeff Moss, known as Dark Tangent, alongside contributors like Mar Williams and representatives from various teams, the event reflects on achievements, honors trailblazers, and charts a course forward. Amid reflections on past giants and celebrations of current triumphs, the gathering underscores the hacker ethos: pushing boundaries while fostering inclusivity and growth.
Jeff opens with a tone of relief and gratitude, acknowledging the unforeseen venue shift that tested the community’s adaptability. What began as a potential setback transformed into a revitalized experience, with attendees praising the spacious layout that evoked the intimacy of earlier conventions. This backdrop sets the stage for a moment of solemnity, where participants pause to honor those who paved the way—mentors, innovators, and unsung heroes whose legacies endure in the collective memory.
The theme of “engage” permeates the proceedings, inspiring initiatives that extend the conference’s impact beyond its annual confines. Jeff highlights two new ventures aimed at channeling the community’s expertise toward societal good and personal advancement. These efforts embody a commitment to proactive involvement, bridging the gap between hacker ingenuity and real-world challenges.
Honoring the Past: A Moment of Reflection
In a poignant start, Jeff calls for silence to remember predecessors whose contributions form the foundation of today’s cybersecurity landscape. This ritual serves as a reminder that progress stems from accumulated wisdom, urging attendees to carry forward the ethos of giving back. The gesture resonates deeply, connecting generations and reinforcing the communal bonds that define DEF CON.
Transitioning to celebration, the ceremonies spotlight individuals and organizations embodying selfless dedication. Jeff presents the Uber Contributor Award to The Prophet, a figure whose decades-long involvement spans writing for 2600 magazine, educating newcomers, and organizing events like Telephreak Challenge and QueerCon. His journey from phreaker to multifaceted influencer exemplifies the transformative power of sustained engagement. The Prophet’s acceptance speech captures the magic of the community, where dreams materialize through collective effort.
Similarly, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) receives recognition for over two decades of advocacy, raising $130,000 this year alone to support speakers and defend digital rights. Their representative emphasizes EFF’s role in amplifying security research for global benefit, aligning with DEF CON’s mission to empower ethical hacking.
Embracing the Theme: Engagement in Action
The “engage” motif drives discussions on evolving the community’s role in an increasingly complex digital world. Jeff articulates how this concept prompted bold experiments, acknowledging the uncertainties but embracing potential failures as learning opportunities. This mindset reflects the hacker’s adaptability, turning challenges into catalysts for innovation.
Attendees share feedback on the new venue, noting reduced overcrowding and a more relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of DEF CON’s earlier editions. Such observations validate the rapid pivot from the previous location, a decision thrust upon organizers by an unexpected contract termination. Jeff recounts the whirlwind process with humor, crediting quick alliances and the community’s resilience for the seamless transition.
Spotlight on Creativity: The Badge Unveiled
Mar Williams takes the stage to demystify the DEF CON 32 badge, a testament to accessible design and collaborative artistry. Drawing from a concept rooted in inclusivity, Mar aimed to create something approachable for novices while offering depth for experts. Partnering with Raspberry Pi, the badge incorporates layers of interactivity—from loading custom ROMs to developing games via GB Studio.
Acknowledgments flow to the team: Bonnie Finley for 3D modeling and game art, Chris Maltby for plugins and development, Nutmeg for additional game work, Will Tuttle for narrative input, Ada Rose Cannon for character creation, Legion 303 for audio, and others like ICSN for manufacturing. Mar’s vision emphasizes community participation, with the badge’s game dedicating itself to players who engage and make an impact. Challenges like SOS signals and proximity interactions foster connections, while post-conference resources encourage ongoing tinkering.
Triumphs in Competition: Village and Challenge Winners
The ceremonies burst with energy as winners from myriad contests are announced, showcasing the breadth of skills within the community. From the AI Village Capture the Flag, where teams like AI Cyber Challenge victors demonstrate prowess in emerging tech, to the Aviation Village’s high-flying achievements, each victory highlights specialized expertise.
Notable accolades include the AppSec Village’s top performers in secure coding, the Biohacking Village’s innovative health hacks, and the Car Hacking Village’s vehicular exploits. The Cloud Village CTF crowns champions in scalable defenses, while the Crypto & Privacy Village recognizes cryptographic ingenuity. Diversity shines through in the ICS Village’s industrial control triumphs and the IoT Village’s device dissections.
Special mentions go to the Lockpick Village’s dexterity masters, the Misinformation Village’s truth-seekers, and the Packet Hacking Village’s network ninjas. The Password Cracking Contest and Physical Pentest Challenge celebrate brute force and subtle infiltration, respectively. The Policy Village engages in advocacy wins, and the Recon Village excels in intelligence gathering.
Celebrating Hands-On Innovation: More Contest Highlights
The Red Team Village’s strategic simulations yield victors in offensive operations, complemented by the RFID Village’s access control breakthroughs. Rogue Access Point contests reward wireless wizardry, while the Soldering Skills Village honors precise craftsmanship.
The Space Security Village pushes boundaries in orbital defenses, and the Tamper Evident Village masters detection of intrusions. Telecom and Telephreak challenges revive analog artistry, with the Vishing Competition testing social engineering finesse. The Voting Village exposes electoral vulnerabilities, and the WiFi Village dominates spectrum battles.
Wireless CTF and Wordle Hacking rounds out the roster, each contributing to a tapestry of technical mastery and creative problem-solving.
Organizational Gratitude: Behind-the-Scenes Heroes
Jeff extends heartfelt thanks to departments, goons, and volunteers who orchestrated the event amid upheaval. Retiring goons like GMark, Noise, Ira, Estang, Gataca, Duna, The Samorphix, Brick, Wham, Casper receive nods for their service, earning lifetime attendance. New “noons” are welcomed, injecting fresh energy.
Gold badge holders, signifying a decade of dedication, are celebrated for their enduring commitment. This segment underscores the human element sustaining DEF CON’s scale and vibrancy.
Looking Ahead: Community and Continuity
Social channels keep the conversation alive year-round, from Discord movie nights to YouTube archives and Instagram updates. The DEF CON Social Mastodon server offers a moderated space adhering to the code of conduct, providing a haven amid social media fragmentation.
A lighthearted anecdote from Jeff about the badge’s “dark chocolate” Easter egg illustrates serendipitous joy, where proximity triggers whimsical interactions. Such moments encapsulate the conference’s blend of seriousness and play.
Finally, anticipation builds for DEF CON 33, slated for August 7-10 at the same venue. Jeff reflects on the positive reception, affirming the space’s role in reducing FOMO and enhancing connections. With content continually uploaded online, the community remains engaged, ready to disengage only until the next convergence.
Links:
- Jeff Moss on LinkedIn
- The Prophet on LinkedIn
- Mar Williams art website
- Electronic Frontier Foundation website
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