You may have already heard about the Bsides Barcelona event, a prominent cybersecurity event that we are generating a lot of interest in. This event is one of the few that takes place in Barcelona, ​​and as TECNideas 2.0, we have decided to interview the Bsides team to address the questions that might arise among all of us. Therefore, here we present our interviews, which are intended to provide clear and useful answers.

Introduction:

What is BSides Barcelona 2024 and what is its main purpose?

From its humble beginnings in Las Vegas back in 2009, BSides has blossomed into a global force to be reckoned with. What began as a small gathering of like-minded hackers has now spread its wings to cities around the world, from London to Tokyo, from San Francisco to Sydney. Born from a desire for a more inclusive, community-driven approach to cybersecurity education and collaboration, BSides has emerged as a beacon of innovation and camaraderie in an industry often marked by secrecy and competition.

How did the idea to organize this event come about and what is its history?

BSides Barcelona was first held in 2019, when it was organized by a different team. The current team is just continuing the legacy. The main reason for this event is to build a community of people that help each other and learn from each other because cybersecurity is a team sport, at the end of the day.

The first BSides event took place in 2009 in Las Vegas and it was driven by a group of rebels who felt that the traditional security conferences just weren’t cutting it.The founders are Mike Dahn, Jack Daniel, and Chris Nickerson. They wanted something different—something real, something raw. And so, BSides was born.

BSides is a place where seasoned pros and wide-eyed newcomers alike can come together, share knowledge, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in cybersecurity. It’s a celebration of diversity, creativity, and individuality—a reminder that when we come together as a community, there’s nothing we can’t achieve

What is the vision for the future of BSides Barcelona and how do you expect it to evolve in the coming years?

I hope we will align to BSides global standards and achieve a free conference thanks to community support. Our team is excited for the future, we hope to have more workshops and villages with exciting challenges and speaking tracks for participants. Additionally, we truly want to grow the cybersecurity community in the region and hope more local talent will hop on our stage to present their insights and inspire others.

Participation and Organization:

What is the role of the “community” in the organization and development of BSides Barcelona?

The «community» plays a central role in the organization and development of BSides events. These conferences are driven by the cybersecurity community itself, with volunteers contributing their time, expertise, and resources to organize, host, and participate in the events. The community is responsible for selecting speakers, curating content, and fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment where knowledge sharing and networking thrive. Additionally, community involvement ensures that BSides events remain grassroots-driven, independent, and accessible to all, reflecting the diverse needs and interests of cybersecurity professionals worldwide.

How can those interested participate as volunteers in the organization of the event?

They can fill out the form on the website and a member of our team will reach out to them.

What companies and organizations are involved as sponsors or collaborators in BSides Barcelona?

This year we are very grateful to have Wizz.io as Gold Sponsor and Innotec Security, part of Accenture, as Silver Sponsor. We have benefited from tremendous community support, our partners are Hack Barcelona %27, Black Hills Information Security, Tierra de Hackers, ItrainSec, Dab Tech Solutions, Triskel Security, Barcelona Code School, Hack by Security, APWG.EU, TecnoIdeas 2.0, FlagHunters Team %27, Hacker Dreams. We are always looking for like-minded organizations who want to help the community!

Content and Audience:

What type of audience do you hope to attract with BSides Barcelona and what can attendees expect?

BSides events aim to attract a diverse audience of cybersecurity professionals, enthusiasts, researchers, and students. Attendees can expect a unique and inclusive experience that goes beyond traditional conference formats. They can anticipate engaging presentations, interactive workshops, and hands-on activities led by industry experts and community leaders.

Additionally, BSides events offer ample opportunities for networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among peers, fostering a sense of camaraderie and community within the cybersecurity field. Overall, attendees can look forward to gaining valuable insights, expanding their professional networks, and deepening their understanding of the latest trends and challenges in cybersecurity.

What are the highlights of the BSides Barcelona program? What type of talks and workshops will be offered?

The BSides Barcelona program promises a rich array of talks and workshops covering various aspects of cybersecurity. Highlights include presentations on topics such as threat intelligence, incident response, penetration testing, cryptography, and secure coding practices. Workshops will offer hands-on experiences in digital forensics, malware analysis, offensive and defensive cybersecurity techniques, and emerging technologies.

Attendees can look forward to engaging discussions, practical demonstrations, and valuable insights from industry experts, researchers, and community members. BSides Barcelona offers an exciting opportunity for cybersecurity professionals to expand their skills, knowledge, and networks in a dynamic and supportive environment. More details about the agenda are on our website.

How do you select speakers and what criteria do you use to choose the topics to cover?

BSides employs a community-driven approach to select speakers and topics for its events. Speaker selection typically involves an open call for submissions, where individuals from the

cybersecurity community can propose presentations, workshops, or other forms of content. We have appointed a scientific committee, which consists of volunteers from the community, who reviews and rates the submissions based on criteria such as relevance, originality, depth of content, and speaker expertise. This year, the scientific committee included professionals from Accenture, Kaspersky, EY, Triskel Security and Miro. The committee is renewed every year or every two years with new members.

In choosing topics to cover, BSides aims to address the diverse interests and needs of the cybersecurity community. Topics are selected based on their relevance to current trends, emerging technologies, and pressing challenges in the field. Additionally, BSides seeks to promote diversity and inclusivity by featuring a variety of perspectives, experiences, and expertise areas in its program.

Overall, the selection process prioritizes content that is informative, engaging, and valuable to attendees, while also reflecting the vibrant and dynamic nature of the cybersecurity community.

Impact and Repercussion:

What impact do you expect BSides Barcelona to have on the local and international cybersecurity community?

BSides Barcelona is expected to have a significant impact on both the local and international cybersecurity community. Locally, the conference provides a platform for cybersecurity professionals, enthusiasts, and students to connect, collaborate, and share knowledge. By fostering a vibrant community of practitioners and researchers, BSides Barcelona contributes to the development of talent, expertise, and innovation within the region.

On an international level, BSides Barcelona serves as a nexus for global cybersecurity collaboration and exchange. Through its diverse program of talks, workshops, and networking opportunities, the conference facilitates the sharing of best practices, emerging trends, and cutting-edge research from around the world. This global perspective helps to elevate the visibility of the Barcelona cybersecurity ecosystem and strengthens connections with international partners and stakeholders.

Overall, BSides Barcelona plays a vital role in advancing the cybersecurity field by promoting collaboration, education, and innovation within both the local and global communities.

What makes BSides Barcelona unique compared to other cybersecurity events?

BSides Barcelona stands out among other cybersecurity events for several reasons. Firstly, it embraces a grassroots, community-driven ethos, with content curated by and for cybersecurity professionals and enthusiasts. This approach fosters an inclusive and collaborative environment where participants can engage directly with peers, experts, and industry leaders.

Additionally, BSides Barcelona offers a diverse and eclectic program that covers a wide range of topics and formats, including talks, workshops, lightning talks, and panel discussions. This

diversity ensures that attendees can explore a broad spectrum of cybersecurity themes and gain insights from multiple perspectives.

Furthermore, BSides Barcelona prioritizes accessibility and affordability, making it an accessible option for attendees from all backgrounds and experience levels. By offering affordable ticket prices and embracing an inclusive atmosphere, the conference strives to democratize access to cybersecurity education and networking opportunities.

Overall, BSides Barcelona’s unique blend of community-driven content, diverse programming, and inclusive ethos makes it a standout event in the cybersecurity landscape, appealing to both seasoned professionals and newcomers alike.

How can participants stay involved with the BSides community after the event?

We don’t have other activities other than the main conference, but participants can stay engaged with the cybersecurity community by joining online forums, such as social media groups or discussion boards, where they can continue networking and sharing insights with fellow attendees. Additionally, they can subscribe to newsletters or mailing lists to stay updated on future events, workshops, and opportunities for involvement. Participating in local meetups or special interest groups related to cybersecurity is another great way to maintain connections and continue learning within the BSides community. Finally, volunteering for upcoming events or contributing to open-source projects can further deepen participants’ engagement and impact within the community.

Logistics and Security:

What were the criteria for selecting the location and date of the event?

No special criteria

What kind of support do you provide to attendees who come from out of town or country?

BSides does not cover accommodation or travel expenses, speakers and attendees are responsible for their own travel plans.

Continuing Education and Tips:

What is your opinion on the importance of continuous learning in the field of cybersecurity and how BSides Barcelona contributes to this objective?

Continuous learning is crucial in the field of cybersecurity due to the ever-evolving nature of threats and technologies. BSides Barcelona plays a significant role in supporting this objective by providing a platform for cybersecurity professionals to engage in ongoing education and skill development. Through its diverse program of talks, workshops, and networking opportunities, BSides Barcelona offers attendees the chance to stay abreast of the latest trends, techniques, and best practices in the industry. Moreover, the community-driven nature of BSides events fosters a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing, enabling participants to learn from each other’s experiences and expertise. Overall, BSides Barcelona serves as a valuable

resource for cybersecurity professionals seeking to expand their knowledge, stay updated on emerging threats, and advance their careers in this dynamic field.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering attending BSides Barcelona for the first time?

My advice would be to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Take advantage of the diverse program offerings, including talks, workshops, and networking sessions, to explore different aspects of cybersecurity and connect with fellow professionals. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, engage with speakers and attendees, and participate actively in discussions and activities. Be open to learning from others and sharing your own knowledge and experiences. Don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the unique opportunity to be part of the vibrant BSides community.