Deviant OllamJul 5, 2023

Sigh.

Every year around this time we see people posting the same tired, old advice about DefCon that hasn't felt relevant in over a decade: "Don't turn on your laptop" and "Bring a burner phone" and all that other hooey.

Am I going to have to do a video that pushes back against this? 🫣

d1d4c71cJul 10, 2023
Show threadDeviant Ollam

Update: @defcon advice video is posted...

https://youtu.be/AsPeB6bc5ho

👍😁👍

Deviant's DEF CON Advice

YouTube
Jul 10, 2023 at 4:01pmWeb
Show threadKyle RankinJul 10, 2023

@deviantollam @defcon Great advice all around! Both tech-centric and the practical 3-2-1 section.

What I really appreciated about the tech-focused early parts of this video (besides the practical, realistic advice and chat about threat modeling) was how much this advice also applies to things like travel and other venues where theft and damage to your equipment is also a concern, not just hacking.

Show threadBillJul 10, 2023

@deviantollam Good video. Smart talk from a knowledgeable person.

I met you at Defcon! 13 I think.

Show threadDeviant OllamJul 11, 2023
@Sempf absolutely. And you gave a terrific lock related talk at a subsequent smaller con years later. I remember being there 😁👍
Show threadMidwintersTombJul 10, 2023
@deviantollam @defcon My solution to the food part of DefCon was to order groceries on day one for the length of the con made up of anything I could cook in my room for dinner, materials to make sandwiches for lunch, and then dry goods I could carry in my backpack, just absolutely packing my fridge. I walked around DefCon with my bag full of a laptop, a box of cereal to graze on, lunch, a double walled water bottle, boxes of Propel mixes, and a small umbrella to keep out of the sun when outside. Worked out pretty well. Stayed fed, well hydrated, and sunburn free.
Show threadDeviant OllamJul 11, 2023
@MidwintersTomb @defcon All of this place is terrific and I can't believe I forgot to mention that grocery delivery services are a thing
Show threadMidwintersTombJul 11, 2023
@deviantollam @defcon Yeah, with food allergies out the wazoo, any time I go on a trip anywhere, grocery delivery or hitting a grocery store are my first item post check in. Walk in, check how much room the fridge has, grocery time. I've even been known to bring my own pots, pans, and tupperware from home with me on some trips.
Show threadd1d4c71cJul 10, 2023
@deviantollam @defcon
I've been going to defcon since 8 too, and this is 100% right on. I get super tired of all the bad takes on this, too. Thanks for making this.
Show threadSPAM  r00t f0lds Team# 258829 Jul 10, 2023
@deviantollam @defcon love the "which Chris?" line. The eternal question at Hacker cons.
Show threadDeviant OllamJul 11, 2023
@SPAM @defcon So. Many. Chrises.
Show threadJayEmbee 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️Jul 10, 2023
@deviantollam @defcon Excellent advice, as usual.
Show threadD1GgerJul 11, 2023

@deviantollam @defcon

I love this! I give really similar advice for folks who are headed to their first DC.

I also caveat with the, "drinking is NOT mandatory". And knowing when to cut themselves off.

I just shared it over to the local DCG discord!

Show threadJune BlenderJul 11, 2023
@deviantollam @defcon Not just CON advice; it's great life advice. Thanks!
Show threadDeviant OllamJul 11, 2023
@juneb @defcon thank you for saying! 😁👍
Show threadiz_florestaJul 12, 2023
@deviantollam @defcon
I've experienced the people mentioned in the beginning of the video. You're right about not being quite "boomer age" - I view them the elder and of Gen X, that came out of high school & their formative years, in the 80's/early 90's before the internet. And it shows, I guess.
But yeah, don't to stupid stuff.
Show threadStrykerJul 27, 2023

@deviantollam @defcon this was super helpful for me as a newbie to BH & DEF CON to watch -- especially about dinner plans!

As someone who won't know anyone there but my coworker who's coming with, how would you suggest us finding new people to have meals with without falling victim to lobby-standing-for-45-minutes?

(... I'm overthinking this, aren't I? 😅)

Show threadDeviant OllamJul 28, 2023
@StrykerNoStriking @defcon being bold and asking people what their dinner plans are as early as before lunch can be a thing.