DEF CON 32 Unveiled: Insights for Dark Web Professionals and Enthusiasts

August 23, 2024

Introduction

In the enigmatic world of cybersecurity, where the dark web lurks just beyond the surface of the internet, DEF CON stands as a beacon of insight and innovation. Held annually in the neon-lit heart of Las Vegas, this iconic convention is more than just a conference—it’s a high-stakes playground where hackers, cybersecurity experts, and technology enthusiasts converge in a whirlwind of creativity and intrigue.

For those navigating the murky depths of the dark web, DEF CON provides a crucial window into emerging threats, new technologies, and the shifting landscape of cyber threats. Whether you’re a experienced attendee or a first-time visitor, DEF CON offers an unparalleled glimpse into the future of cybersecurity and the thrill of digital exploration.

A Different Look and Feel

An ongoing joke within the DEF CON community is that “DEF CON is Canceled.” This year, the 32nd iteration of the convention, the joke almost became a reality. With just three months to spare, DEF CON Global Coordinators and Department Leads were scrambling to secure a new location after their long-time venue canceled.

DEF CON 32 found a new home at the Las Vegas Convention Center. This was a significant shift from the previous years where attendees roamed multiple casinos to find their desired villages or talks. This year, everything was housed under one roof – a major change that simplified navigation. Many villages and groups were housed in a large open space separated by curtains but still using loudspeakers. While not ideal, this setup did not dampen the laid-back spirit of the crowd, eager to quench their curiosity.

Another notable change in DEF CON 32 was the increase of minor attendees. What was once considered the “Frat Party” of cyber conferences is now adopting a more “Family Friendly” vibe. Various villages incorporated Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions and other contests for younger participants, including the dedicated DCNEXTGEN village.

The Experience for First-Time Attendees

What to Expect: Be prepared for an overwhelming influx of information.

Initial Impressions: DEF CON can be daunting for newcomers. The sheer volume of attendees, the sprawling layout, and the wealth of information can be overwhelming.

3 Essential Tips:

The line for Hacker Jeopardy IS worth it.
Don’t try to do everything your first year. Focus on the villages or talks that align with your current expertise or future aspirations.
Network actively. You might find yourself next to a fellow newbie or in line behind the CISO of a Fortune 500 company.

Insights from Experienced Attendees

Uniqueness of DEF CON: DEF CON serves as a melting pot for industry professionals and aspiring hackers. One experienced attendee shared; despite attending for many years, he still marvels at the opportunity to debate policies with influential figures he wouldn’t typically interact with in his role at a small cybersecurity firm in Arizona.

The Best of the Best: Experienced attendees at DEF CON often feel reassured knowing that those who speak at Official DEF CON talks are among the top professionals in the industry. At DEF CON 32, this included prominent figures like Jen Easterly, Jeff ‘The Dark Tangent’ Moss, InfoSec celebrities such as Neil ‘Grifter’ Wyler and Jayson Street, as well as Bug Bounty experts STÖK Fredrik and Joona Hoikkala (DEF CON 31). These six names represent just a small fraction of the distinguished individuals who attended DEF CON 32.

Must Do: The unanimous recommendation from experienced attendees was “DFIU” (Don’t F&*^ It Up) and not attend Hacker Jeopardy at least once.

Hacker Jeopardy

Despite many changes at DEF CON 32, Hacker Jeopardy remained a constant favorite. Attendees still enjoyed bouncing large and small beach balls during the wait for entry and during the show. Beer still flowed on stage for contestants (bananas for the one pregnant contestant), and Miss Kitty, a DEF CON staple, made her usual appearance. The crowd eagerly chanted “DFIU,” and opportunities to win elite swag abounded. Thankfully the categories, while comically titled, still showcased the skills needed to be a hacker…or poked fun at recent cybersecurity mishaps

Hacker Jeopardy celebrated its 30th birthday at DEF CON 32, drawing the largest crowd on record. The event featured star-studded teams, guest hosts, and a special appearance by Jeff Moss, who wished Hacker Jeopardy a happy 30th birthday.

The first night included a category dedicated to Darknet Diaries, with answers read by Jack Rhysider himself (while standing behind a privacy screen). The excitement peaked on the second night when Jeff Moss announced through a text message to ‘Grifter’, that for the first time, winners of Hacker Jeopardy would receive a Black Badge, granting them lifetime free admission to DEF CON.

Election Year Insights: A Hacker’s Perspective

Jake Braun – DEF CON Franklin Project –

DEF CON’s unconventional approach offers invaluable insights. Many villages compile data from contests and talks into reports on emerging trends and new vulnerabilities, often presented to government officials or find their way in front of Congress.

In the context of the 2024 U.S. election, the Voting Machine Hacking Village, spearheaded by Jack Braun, stands out. In 2017 Braun, former Acting Principal Deputy National Cyber Director for the White House, recognized the need for more than academic vulnerability testing of voting machines. By leveraging DEF CON’s hacking expertise, Braun created a village that ultimately led to the replacement of vulnerable voting machines in several states.

In 2024 at DEF CON 32 Braun and Jeff Moss launched “DEF CON Franklin”, focusing on creating “The Hackers’ Almanack” and organizing the “Franklin Cyber Volunteer Task Force.” Their goal is to harness the DEF CON hacker community’s skills to enhance the cybersecurity of critical infrastructures and K-12 school districts.

A Dark Web Perspective

4 Insights from DEF CON 32 for DarkOwl

1. Advanced Threat Detection Techniques

Machine Learning and AI: DEF CON 32 highlighted the growing role of AI and machine learning in threat detection. Leveraging these technologies can improve DarkOwls ability to identify and categorize emerging brand threats in the darknet. Implementing advanced algorithms to analyze patterns and anomalies in our data can enhance predictive capabilities and automate collections.
Behavioral Analysis: Develop models that focus on the behavior of actors within the darknet to enhance DarkOwls Threat Actor Profiling. This includes monitoring changes in patterns, language, and interaction dynamics that may signal emerging threats or new trends.

2. Enhanced Data Collection Methods

Automated Crawling Tools: Sessions at DEF CON 32 emphasized the use of sophisticated crawling tools for more efficient data collection. DarkOwl is always striving to enhance or implement automated tools to better navigate the complexities of the darknet, such as handling various encryption and obfuscation techniques, that will improve the depth and accuracy of our data processing.
Use of Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT): Combining darknet data with OSINT can provide a more comprehensive view for DarkOwls Darknet Risk Analysis. Incorporating data from open sources helps in cross-referencing and validating information found on the darknet.

3. Privacy and Ethical Considerations

Ethical Collection Practices: The Policy Village at DEF CON 32 discussions often revolve around the ethics of cybersecurity practices. DarkOwl is passionate about ensuring that our methods of data collection and analysis adhere to ethical standards. This includes respecting privacy laws and obtaining data without compromising the security and anonymity of individuals. As well as displaying our data without exposing CSAM and SEIM.
Secure Data Handling: As a leading provider of darknet data DarkOwl strives for robust data protection measures to safeguard the information we collect. Learning latest techniques for implementing strong encryption and access controls helps in maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of our data.

4. Improving Investigation Tools

Enhanced Search Capabilities: The Recon Village at DEF CON 32 touched on the need for powerful search tools. Invest in or develop advanced search functionalities that allow for more nuanced queries and deeper insights which is easily applicable to darknet data.
Focused Techniques: DarkOwls Data Acquisition services collect darknet data from various darknet forums, markets and blogs. At DEF CON 32 the Recon Village had a talk on “Tapping the OSINT potential of Telegram”. This is by no means a new concept at DarkOwl, however, some of the new Telegram features and updates presented during this talk highlighted new avenues for DarkOwl to explore to enrich our data collections.

Relevance to Dark Web Professionals

Most DEF CON villages relate to dark web activities. Not all dark web actors are lurking in basements; some are active professionals analyzing and exploiting network vulnerabilities. DEF CON offers valuable insights into these activities.

While dark web markets are rich in digital information, they also feature physical items that require traditional methods to obtain. This is why villages focused on physical security, like Lock Pick and Physical Security Villages, are so valuable. They provide more than just thrilling experiences; they offer practical skills that are applicable in various security contexts.

Conclusion

As we emerge from the shadows of DEF CON 32, it’s clear that the conference offers far more than a glimpse into the future of cybersecurity—it provides a roadmap for navigating the complex and ever-evolving landscape of the dark web. The insights and innovations unveiled at DEF CON 32 empower us to refine our strategies, enhance our tools, and approach our mission with renewed vigor. For those of us on DarkOwl Darknet data collection team, these revelations are not merely academic; they are actionable strategies that can redefine how we detect, analyze, and respond to emerging threats against our clients.

In a realm where information is power and the stakes are high, staying ahead of the curve is imperative. DEF CON’s blend of cutting-edge technology and real-world application strengthens our abilities to turn the dark web’s complexity into a manageable and insightful asset.