CactusCon 12 Villages & Special Events
Villages are spaces within CactusCon dedicated to specific topic areas, and typically include talks, hands-on activities, competitions, and other exciting and interesting things to check out!
Capture the Flag
Think you've got what it takes to exploit defenses, outsmart puzzles, or analyze threats? In this year’s CactusCon CTF by ThreatSims, you can sharpen your skills against a wide range of challenges from the full spectrum of cybersecurity skills. Whether you're a curious newbie or a seasoned pro, we've got challenges that'll thrill and educate. This is your arena to learn new tricks and push your capabilities to the limit. Test your mettle, join us, and see where you stand in the thrilling world of cybersecurity! The event code will be available in person at the event. 🌵🔐👾
CactusCon Kids
This is a smaller version of the con with several different stations for kids to explore and advance their knowledge about computers. From coding, networking, a computer graveyard, and arduino; kids will get to learn the ins and outs of computers. This is designed for kids 8 -15 years old. Saturday only from 9:30am to 4:00pm.
Click here for details and registration information for CactusCon Kids at CC12.
CISO Track
Saturday at 9am, dive into a morning of learning and connecting with fellow CISOs. These workshops break away from the usual routine, offering fresh ideas and new insights to tackle the unique challenges CISOs face today. This new approach is built around creating an environment where you can work alongside other CISOs and Security leaders to learn new ways to solve problems. This is NOT the conference where someone stands in front and talks AT you, but a collaborative problem-solving, supportive peer-learning atmosphere.
Click here for details and registration information.
Artificial Intelligence Village
The AI Village is a community of hackers and data scientists working to educate the world on the use and abuse of artificial intelligence in security and privacy. This year the AI Village is returning to CactusCon for a second time, and will feature formal talks on AI security and risk management, as well as hands-on workshops and demos around getting the most out of generative AI. We’ll also host a mini-CTF to introduce attendees to what it's like in the AI security space.
The CactusCon Greenhouse
Have you ever wanted to be a pentester but didn’t know where to start? Do you have an interest in pentesting but need some help getting the fundamentals down? Are you a blue- teamer or a cyber manager and want to have a basic understanding of pentesting techniques? If so then the CactusCon Greenhouse is for you! The Greenhouse is a series of five stations, each one with an exercise in a pentesting fundamental; enumeration using nmap, web application testing using BurpSuite, exploitation with Metasploit, password cracking with john the ripper and hashcat, and vulnerability scanning. Each table is designed to take about 30 minutes to complete, and will have a web page to guide you through the exercises. Greenhouse Gardeners will be available to help if you get stuck. You will need to bring your own laptop to participate. More information is available here, but plan to come join the Greenhouse for a fun, instructional and low-pressure chance to get your feet wet in pentesting!
Career Village
Welcome to the Career Village at CactusCon, a pivotal hub for professionals and newcomers in Cybersecurity, IT Security, and InfoSec. This year, we are excited to offer an enriched program that goes beyond resume reviews and mentoring. Dive into a variety of engaging talks and hands-on workshops, each carefully crafted to provide insights and strategies for career advancement in the cybersecurity industry.
Our sessions are designed to cater to a diverse audience - from experts looking to explore new horizons to beginners carving out their path in the field. Topics range from skill development and industry trends to navigating career transitions and effective job searching techniques. The mentoring sessions offer a unique chance for one-on-one interactions, allowing you to gain personalized advice and build valuable connections with seasoned professionals. Whether you're shaping your career path or seeking to elevate it, the Career Village at CactusCon is your gateway to a wealth of knowledge and opportunities in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.
Hardware Village
The Hardware Village at CactusCon serves as a hands-on area where attendees can work on soldering components of their badges, a popular and creative element of the conference. It's not just a workspace but also an educational hub, staffed with knowledgeable experts ready to answer questions and provide guidance on various aspects of hardware. Whether you're a seasoned hacker or just starting out, the village offers a collaborative environment to learn, experiment, and enhance your soldering skills, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to delve deeper into the world of hardware manipulation and customization.
Physical Security Village
At CactusCon's Physical Security Village, cybersecurity professionals, hackers, and newbies alike can deepen their understanding of physical security through practical experiences. Our lockpicking area cater to all levels and features demonstrations and introductory sessions, providing insightful techniques and methodologies, along with designated areas for hands-on practice. This isn't just about theory; it's a chance to apply these skills in real-time, whether you're a beginner looking to grasp the basics or an experienced individual honing your expertise.
Moreover, we explore topics beyond lockpicking, including a wide range of PhySec topics. This is where digital meets physical, offering you a comprehensive view of how physical security integrates with cybersecurity. Join us to expand your skill set in a practical, interactive environment!