DEF CON 32, held from August 8th to 11th at the Las Vegas Convention Center, provided a unique opportunity for 3GIMBALS to immerse itself in the forefront of cybersecurity innovation. As a small business deeply involved in the defense sector, our participation in this premier hacking conference underscores our commitment to staying ahead of emerging threats and fostering the expertise necessary to support our clients in the increasingly complex cybersecurity landscape.
The Strategic Importance of Cybersecurity: In an era where cyber threats are a critical concern for national security, events like DEF CON offer invaluable insights and opportunities for companies like 3GIMBALS to sharpen our cybersecurity capabilities. Our team, comprising experts in OSINT, data analysis, and cybersecurity, attended DEF CON with the intent to not only learn but also to contribute to the global conversation on securing our digital and information assets.
A New Venue, A New Experience: This year marked a change in venue to the Las Vegas Convention Center, a shift that proved beneficial by accommodating the entire event under one roof without the issues of overcrowding seen in previous years. The ability to navigate between villages, talks, and workshops seamlessly allowed our team to make the most of our time, ensuring that we could attend key sessions relevant to our ongoing projects.
Capture the Flag and Red Team Village: One of the highlights of our time at DEF CON was participating in the Capture the Flag (CTF) competition hosted by Red Team Village. Despite being an ad hoc team with part-time participation, we secured an impressive 27th place out of 322 teams, placing us in the top 8%. This achievement is a testament to the skills and dedication of our team members, including Robert Falcon, Matt Bauer, and Clemson University’s Adrian Colaianni. It also underscores the importance of cybersecurity expertise in supporting our defense sector clients.
Workshops and Skill Development: Our team members attended various workshops, including sessions on OWASP Amass, which is instrumental in managing attack surfaces and discovering external assets. For 3GIMBALS, tools like Amass are not only vital for understanding how our assets are perceived from an outsider’s perspective but also enhance our ability to protect our clients’ digital footprints. The knowledge gained from these sessions directly informs our work in web application development, OSINT, and cybersecurity, ensuring that we remain at the cutting edge of our field.
Thought Leadership on Display: Steven Sheffield’s presentation on a Russian-sponsored disinformation network, run by John Mark Dougan, was one of the most attended talks in the Recon Village. This talk not only highlighted our expertise in countering disinformation but also allowed us to forge new connections with peers and potential collaborators, further establishing 3GIMBALS as a thought leader in the defense sector.
Supporting the Next Generation of Cybersecurity Experts: We were proud to sponsor Adrian Colaianni, a talented young DevOps professional from Clemson University, marking his first experience at DEF CON. Adrian’s participation in the CTF and his hands-on work in the Packet Hacking Village reflected his deep commitment to cybersecurity. By sponsoring students like Adrian, 3GIMBALS is investing in the future of cybersecurity, ensuring that the next generation of professionals is equipped with the skills and experiences necessary to meet tomorrow’s challenges.
Building Relationships and Looking Ahead: Networking is a critical aspect of DEF CON, and our team made the most of this opportunity. From meeting potential collaborators who may provide us with valuable operational security training, to hosting an impromptu mentoring session for another group of Clemson students, our time at DEF CON was as much about building relationships as it was about skill development.
DEF CON 32 was a resounding success for 3GIMBALS. It reinforced our position as a key player in the cybersecurity and defense sectors, provided us with new tools and insights to enhance our offerings, and allowed us to support the next generation of cybersecurity experts. As we look forward to DEF CON 33, our commitment to innovation, thought leadership, and supporting national defense through cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions remains stronger than ever.
