My DEF CON 2024 Experience (feat. all my favorite tech youtubers)

What made DEF CON 2024 so special?

DEF CON 2024 was an extraordinary experience, blending intense intellectual challenges with a vibrant community.

The atmosphere was electric, filled with passionate tech enthusiasts, inventive minds, and an insatiable drive to solve puzzles.

One standout element was the unique blend of people. Theo reunited with his crew thanks to Pirate Software, and met other influential figures like Luke from Linus Tech Tips, Jon Hammond, and low-level learning. The eclectic mix of YouTubers, programmers, and hackers created an enriching tapestry of interactions.

The overall experience was a whirlwind of hacking contests, late-night puzzle-solving in cramped hotel rooms, and unexpected friendships. Despite the often overwhelming pace, the camaraderie and shared goal of hacking challenges added layers of depth and enjoyment.

The atmosphere, the people, and the myriad activities all contributed to making DEF CON 2024 an unforgettable event, urging Theo to recommend others attend next year.

The unique convergence of social interaction, mental agility, and the underlying theme of cybersecurity innovation made it a truly singular experience.

Who were the notable attendees?

• Pirate Software - Instrumental in convincing Theo and his crew to attend.
• Luke from Linus Tech Tips - A significant influence and travel companion.
• Low-level Learning - A fantastic YouTuber and Theo's rooming partner.
• Mark - Theo's CTO and an integral part of the puzzle-solving team.
• Prime - Contributed heavily to puzzle-solving with his programming skills.
• Jon Hammond - Met during the event, known for his great content and memorable hair.
• Thor and Thor's friend group - Participated in numerous events and puzzles.
• Ed - Competed in Crash and Compile alongside Prime.

The diverse mix of tech YouTubers, programmers, and hackers created an enriching experience and added a dynamic element to the conference.

What were the living arrangements like?

The living arrangements at DEF CON 2024 were quite a unique part of the experience. Theo shared a luxurious hotel room with some tech enthusiasts. The group included Low-Level Learning, Mark, the CTO, and Luke from Linus Tech Tips.

The shared living space was nothing short of impressive. It featured a large common area, two massive bedrooms, and bathrooms the size of a small apartment. With a fully stocked kitchen and multiple couches, it was a shame they barely spent time there.

Most of their time was spent solving puzzles in a much smaller hotel room. The cramped space, often filled with eight people, added a humorous touch to the stay. Despite the luxuries awaiting them, they preferred the company and the mental challenge of the tiny makeshift puzzle-solving headquarters. Their days stretched into late nights, forging a close bond among them as they tackled each puzzle.

How did the puzzle-solving sessions go?

The puzzle-solving sessions at DEF CON 2024 were a mix of intensity and camaraderie. Despite having a spacious hotel to stay in, the team found themselves crammed into a tiny 350-square-foot room, constantly buzzing with activity.

Late nights turned into early mornings as they worked tirelessly on 13 complex puzzles, often huddled around laptops and papers scattered everywhere. The room setup was tight, with barely three feet of space between the couch and the walls. Yet, they thrived on the challenge and the company, often having up to eight people, including Prime, Ed, Mark, and others from Thor’s friend group.

The camaraderie among the group was palpable. Even in such a constrained space, they found ways to collaborate effectively. Prime’s programming prowess shone through, particularly when he devised a way to solve one of the more intricate puzzles involving over 400 pages.

The environment created a sense of unity and shared purpose. It was as much about the friendships and teamwork as it was about solving the puzzles themselves. This unique blend made the sessions not just mentally stimulating but also incredibly bonding for everyone involved.

What were the highlights of the contests?

• Crash and Compile - A drinking programming contest requiring participants to solve programming puzzles. Theo and Mark nearly qualified but were thwarted by a last-minute submission error. However, Prime and Ed competed and amusingly finished in last place.

• Hack Fortress - This contest combined Team Fortress 2 gameplay with hacking challenges. Despite having gaming experience, Theo and Luke faced setbacks due to inferior gear, leading to a loss. Yet, it was a unique and exciting competition blending gaming and hacking.

• Goldbug - A series of 14 intricate puzzles. Theo's team worked relentlessly and prevailed over the majority, securing a win. The group's tenacity, particularly Prime's programming skills and Gern's problem-solving abilities, made this victory unforgettable.

These contests showcased a blend of programming prowess, gaming skills, and puzzle-solving teamwork, contributing significantly to the overall DEF CON 2024 experience.

Did Theo and Luke Get Hacked?

Theo and Luke actively tried to get hacked at DEF CON, setting out on a unique experiment with their old Android phones. They connected to every available wireless hotspot, fully expecting to encounter some vulnerabilities.

Despite their efforts, the results were surprising. Neither of them managed to get hacked, illustrating an interesting point about the event. The heightened paranoia around being hacked at DEF CON might be overblown for those with updated systems. Their experience suggested that as long as attendees run up-to-date versions of Android or iOS, significant risks are minimal.

In a twist of irony, while they avoided hacks themselves, the team at Linus Tech Tips wasn't so fortunate. Linus Tech Tips' Twitter account got hacked while Luke was at DEF CON, although it wasn't related to their DEF CON activities.

This experiment shed light on the actual level of threat at such a notorious hacker conference, reassuring future attendees about their cybersecurity fears.

What was the coolest tech at DEF CON?

One of the standout pieces of tech at DEF CON 2024 was undoubtedly the innovative badge. Featuring the new Raspberry Pi released on the same day as the event, this badge wasn't just for show.

It came with a full Game Boy emulator and a DEF CON-themed game, making it as much a handheld device as a badge. The badge included enclosed batteries, LEDs, and speakers, elevating it to a multifunctional gadget.

Additionally, it had RFID capabilities, allowing users to transmit updates and programs between badges. This added a layer of interactivity and collaboration unprecedented in previous years.

Preordering the badge was necessary to secure one, as they tend to run out quickly. The creativity and technology packed into this small device highlighted DEF CON's innovative spirit and commitment to pushing technological boundaries.