Posts Tagged ‘WalterScheirer’
[DefCon32] Prime Cuts from Hacker History: 40 Years of 31337
Deth Veggie, Minister of Propaganda for the Cult of the Dead Cow (cDc), leads a nostalgic panel celebrating 40 years of hacker culture, joined by members of cDc, Legion of Doom, 2600 Magazine, Phrack, and r00t. Moderated by Professor Walter Scheirer from the University of Notre Dame, the session traces the origins of the computer underground in 1984, a pivotal year marked by the rise of personal computers and modems. Through vivid storytelling and audience engagement, the panelists reflect on the rebellious spirit, technical curiosity, and community that defined early hacking, offering insights for inspiring the next generation.
The Birth of Hacker Culture
Deth Veggie sets the stage, recounting the founding of cDc in 1984 in a Texas slaughterhouse adorned with heavy metal posters and a cow skull. This era saw the convergence of disaffected youth, empowered by personal computers and modems, forming groups like Legion of Doom and launching 2600 Magazine. The panelists share how their fascination with technology and rebellion against societal norms fueled the creation of a vibrant subculture, where Bulletin Board Systems (BBSes) became hubs for knowledge exchange.
The Rise of T-Files and Phrack
The panel explores the explosion of written hacker culture in 1985 with the advent of Phrack Magazine and text files (t-files), which became the currency of elite hackers. Panelists from Phrack and 2600 recount how these publications democratized technical knowledge, from phone phreaking to early computer exploits. Their stories highlight the thrill of discovery and the camaraderie of sharing hard-earned insights, shaping a community driven by curiosity and defiance.
Navigating the Underground
Reflecting on their experiences, the panelists discuss navigating the computer underground, from dial-up BBSes to illicit explorations of early networks. Members of Legion of Doom and r00t share anecdotes of creative problem-solving and the ethical dilemmas of their actions. These narratives reveal a culture where technical prowess and a desire to challenge authority coexisted, laying the groundwork for modern cybersecurity practices.
Engaging the Next Generation
Responding to audience questions, the panel addresses how to inspire today’s youth to engage with technology creatively. Deth Veggie suggests encouraging hands-on exploration through hacker spaces, maker spaces, and vintage computer festivals, where kids can tinker with old cameras and computers. The panelists emphasize finding role models who ignite passion, citing their own experiences looking up to peers on stage. They advocate fostering an active search for knowledge, akin to the BBS era, to cultivate emotional and intellectual investment in tech.
Preserving the Hacker Spirit
The panel concludes by urging the community to preserve the hacker spirit through mentorship and open knowledge sharing. Walter Scheirer’s moderation highlights the importance of documenting this history, as seen in cDc’s archives and 2600’s ongoing publications. The panelists call for nurturing curiosity in young hackers, ensuring the legacy of 1984’s rebellious innovators continues to inspire transformative contributions to technology.