SpydersWorld

So we all know Defcon and Black Hat have ended…
I am sure some of you have questions and not the least of which being. “Is Jeff’s association with Homeland Security going to affect the event?”
To which I respond, YES! Simply from the shear numbers, there is no denying the facts.  The community is larger than ever.  Sure there was less action at the bar, but they pulled the one we used out!
That being said, the talks were packed and well managed.  Unlike some early years, the lines went smoothly and at a great pace.  Props to the Goons.  You guys are amazing.  DT’s association might well scare you and the curiosity the humans have is certainly piqued.  I think some of them may be failing to see two things. One, it is an advisory position and two, Jeff is Jeff.  He is still the guy trying to de-mystify technology. If we are lucky, he can educate some of the fatheads in Washington.  (probably unlikely but I remain hopeful)
I can’t speak to the EFF numbers as I slept through closing Ceremonies.  (remember to pace yourself) But we tried to contribute in the areas that would be most helpful.  People thanked all of the UCoD crew for the water and ice.  We want to say, we are glad to do anything that helps the community.  In our view, that is what the community does.  We help one another. We build each other /other’s projects up. So really it is us that say thanks to you.
I am further sure, you are interested in the Toxic Bar-B-Q, as Jahala has won at that event in the past…  One word! Outstanding!  The new site was an excellent choice and the food and socialization will be the best of my year, hands down.  Thanks again to the Goons!!! Thanks to Ashley and Winn should be repeated over and over and over..
Another interest may be Ashley and Winn and the Hackers Are People Too video (Ashley did some quick video snaps at TBBQ).  Naturally that leads me to thanks for Dan Kiminiski.  His perspective featured in her clip is the clearest most humble I know. Huge props to you. <Bows> Ashley, keep doing what your doing chick. You got my vote.
If we are going to mention her, we should also mention her Dad and then something about the speakers.  They changed the format a little at Hacker Jeopardy.  Bansee is no longer Vynl Vanna.  I missed the girl’s name, but she was a cute little waif of a thing.  Everybody told me she was hot.  I am married and an old man, so I will have to take their word for it.  The new buzzers were cool once we could see them and Gmark was on it better than our new beer betty the first night and rolling straight through.  She (beer betty) worked it out later and served well and Gmark kept things flowing.  When it comes to our master of cerimonies, what can I say?  You are the man.  Still and Always.  Thanks for the beers at the bar and coffee on Monday.  You sir, are without any doubt, a machine.  I don’t know how anyone can maintain your pace.  You lost me on Saturday.  I am sorry for your voice.  Think lemonaide.
Now, since we have come to the Speakers, while I rather enjoyed the afore mentioned talk (Dan’s) and Rod Beckstrom’s perspective, the one that stood out for me most (other than Bruce Schneier) was, without a doubt, Moxie’s SSLStrip Discussion.  You scare the hell outta me dude!  When you introduced the null carachter the way you did to make your exploit seamless, I was watching my buddies face as he realized any illusion he had ever had of security was shattered…  Let’s just say only Kodak could make a priceless moment like that.  Some of you may have been reading about his method on this blog, but when he puts those last two slides together and you see for yourself, it is hard to deny.
So, there is no way to cover all the event in a single post, I encourage you all to head to the defcon and toxic barbq blogs.  If you haven’t been to see Ashley Winns movie, head over there and give it a look.
Thank you all that helped pull the event off.  I hope you had a great time and made it home safe.