In the hunt for software bugs that could leave the door open to criminal hacks, the Def Con security conference, the largest annual gathering for “ethical” hackers, reigns supreme.
The event, which took place in Las Vegas over the weekend, is known for presentations of cutting-edge security research, though it often feels more like a rave than a professional gathering. It features thumping electronic dance music from DJs, karaoke, and “dunk-a-Fed” pool parties (where government officials get soaked). Attendees, in colorful hats and T-shirts, swap stickers and wear colorful LED-light conference badges that this year were shaped like a cat and included a credit-card-sized computer, called a Raspberry Pi. The event is known fondly by its 30,000 attendees as “hacker summer camp."
