EFF at BSidesLV, Black Hat, and DEF CON: Join Tech Advocates for Security & Privacy Talks

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) is gearing up for a busy week in Las Vegas, where security researchers, hackers, and privacy advocates gather annually for three major conferences: BSides Las Vegas, Black Hat USA, and DEF CON. Running from August 3 to 9, these events provide a platform for discussions on digital rights, privacy, and cybersecurity.

EFF staffers will participate in panel discussions, deliver talks, and host contests during the week. They will also be available in expo areas to engage with attendees, distribute resources, and recruit new members.

One of EFF’s key presentations is by Cindy Cohn, former executive director and current executive director emeritus. She will share insights from her book, Privacy’s Defender, which chronicles her three decades of work at EFF. Her talk at BSides Las Vegas on August 3 will highlight the organization’s role in defending digital privacy and freedom. A panel discussion on August 4 will feature EFF staffers Rory Mir, Kenyatta Thomas, Alexis Hancock, Haley Pederson, and Cohn, addressing policy and advocacy issues.

At DEF CON, EFF staff will lead multiple sessions. Tori Noble, an EFF staff attorney, will participate in the Voting Village on August 7. Cindy Cohn will present a talk on August 7, exploring the history of privacy battles, including efforts to free encryption technology from government control and challenges to mass NSA surveillance. Alexis Hancock and Kenyatta Thomas will discuss open-source counter-surveillance tools at DEF CON on August 8.

Cooper Quintin, EFF senior staff technologist, will present on August 9 about the use of affordable microcontrollers like the ESP32 for accessible anti-surveillance tools. The session will cover applications such as detecting police body cameras, mapping license plate recognition systems, and identifying unauthorized drones.

EFF will also host several contests at DEF CON. On August 7, a poker tournament at the Horseshoe Poker Room will raise funds for EFF’s mission. A beard-growing contest on the same day will celebrate hacker culture. On August 8, a tech trivia challenge will test participants’ knowledge of digital security and internet culture. Winners will receive custom badges and EFF merchandise.

For those interested in meeting Cindy Cohn, a book signing for Privacy’s Defender will take place on August 8 in the Exhibit Hall West 4.

Attendees with legal concerns about their research or presentations can reach out to info@eff.org for assistance. EFF staff will be available throughout the conferences to provide guidance and resources.

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