02 July 2014

BlackHat | DefCon 2014 – The SecBarbie Backup Buddies

By SecBarbie in SecSocial

In the past years there has been a great deal of attention paid to the treatment and incidents involving females at conferences. Instead of just addressing problems after the fact, this is my attempted answer to speaking to potential issues and offering at least somewhat of a solution. I truly love this community and the amazing experience that the conferences can be, and I want to do my part to ensuring everyone (from industry to journalists and everyone in-between) has the most positive experience that they can. For the 2014 week of BlackHat + DEFCON, I am offering up my time and efforts to help. If you are or you know someone, especially (but not only) female, who is new to the conferences or might need a friendly hand, give them this number:

+1-650-4-BACKUP

I have setup this to contact me via voice and text during the conference so I can help assist people who find themselves uncomfortable, need a friend to talk to about something that happened, are in a situation that is turning bad that need some assistance, or need some first-time attendee guidance. Anyone who reaches out will have their information kept confidential and not shared unless the individual wishes for me to speak on their behalf. If for some reason I can’t get to you personally, I will respond with a trusted helping hand to help you as much as possible.

This number is not:

  • A party-info line. I can’t get you into parties.
  • A general conference information line. Google and conference staffs are there for you for general info.
  • A phishing expedition.
  • 1-900-CHATROOM.
  • “I just wanted to see what’s up”

    • This number is for situations such as:

  • I need help with or someone to talk to in confidence about an inappropriate situation that is developing or has occurred.
  • It’s my first conference and I feel absolutely alone or am having an absolutely horrid experience.

    • This line was a positive experience last year, let's keep the option open for those who may need it. Please don’t be “that guy/girl” who abuses the number or thinks it’s funny to crank call. Go crank call rooms at the Rio instead ;) .

    If you are trusting, friendly, and want to help others, send an email to backups at secbarbie.com.

    **PHONE NUMBER WILL GO LIVE SUNDAY AFTERNOON AND STAY ON-LINE UNTIL THE AUGUST 10TH

    22 Feb 2014

    2014 RSA USA Conference SecSocial Happy Hour

    By SecBarbie in SecSocial

    It can be agreed by most in the security industry that there should be a great amount of appreciation to all vendors and who put on amazing events for our community, as well as the people behind the scenes making these events possible! It is with that said that I am very excited to thank IOActive for joining forces with SecSocial again for the 2014 Security Sociability Happy Hour! Start the week off with class at the 6th Annual Security Sociability Happy Hour at the IOAsis from 5 - 8pm! Come enjoy the amazing new venue for IOAsis, have some cocktails and snacks, and mingle with some of the most amazing minds in the industry!

    PRO TIPS:

  • You must register for who is attending, duplicate names will be deleted in order to give everyone an opportunity to attend.
  • Names will be checked at the door.
  • This IS a new location, please pay attention to the address. Showing up at the St. Regis Penthouse will only surprise whomever is there this year, party at your own risk! :)