{"id":44099,"date":"2026-04-13T12:03:42","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T04:03:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=44099"},"modified":"2026-04-13T12:03:42","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T04:03:42","slug":"5-things-you-should-not-do-at-def-con-sg","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=44099","title":{"rendered":"5 things you SHOULD NOT do at DEF CON SG"},"content":{"rendered":"


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\n Published on 13 April 2026<\/span>
\n By Alywin Chew<\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n

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\n \"DEF
\n DEF CON SG marks the first time the legendary cybersecurity convention is being held in Southeast Asia. (Photo: DEF CON)<\/span>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n
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For the uninitiated, cybersecurity extravaganza DEF CON<\/a> may seem like any other conference heavy on handshakes and deal-making. <\/p>\n

If that\u2019s what you think the inaugural Singapore edition of the event is going to be like, read this article. Till. The. End.<\/p>\n

Held annually in Las Vegas, DEF CON typically features thousands of hackers, many of whom are inclined to do what they do best (hack things, of course). And they will do so either via official channels like the popular Capture the Flag competitions or, well, whatever else they can get their hands on \u2013 including your laptop or mobile phone.<\/p>\n

DEF CON SG isn\u2019t expected to be any different. So bear in mind the following DO NOTs before you head on down to the convention.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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1. DO NOT trust any network<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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That \u201cFree DEFCON WiFi\u201d network? Don\u2019t even think about connecting to it, or any other seemingly official network that\u2019s available. <\/p>\n

Connecting to random networks at DEF CON is a surefire way to get your devices compromised. After all, hackers tend to compete among themselves when it comes to intercepting, spoofing and just messing around with network traffic at DEF CON \u2013 but in the name of fun, of course.<\/p>\n

Still, harmless prank or not, it\u2019s best to err on the side of caution. We\u2019d suggest you use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or a hotspot. Some people would even go to the extent of using burner phones at DEF CON. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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2. DO NOT plug random USB drives into your laptop<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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You wouldn\u2019t stuff a random cookie you found lying around in your mouth (or would you?). So don\u2019t stick a random USB stick you find lying around DEF CON into your laptop.<\/p>\n

At DEF CON, \u201cfree USB\u201d is basically a guise for \u201cplease install malware on yourself\u201d. Rule of thumb: if you didn\u2019t bring it, don\u2019t plug it.<\/p>\n

In case you didn\u2019t know, USB drives can be used to deliver malicious software, steal data and even deliver an electrical charge that destroys your device.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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DEF CON is full of brilliant, curious people, many of whom are very good at social engineering.<\/p>\n

You might think you\u2019re just chatting about your job, your company, your systems. But what you\u2019re doing might in fact be handing over a blueprint for how to break into your organisation.<\/p>\n

Keep it friendly, keep it vague, and maybe don\u2019t announce, \u201cI manage our company\u2019s entire security infrastructure\u201d to a stranger wearing a lockpick badge. Duh.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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4. DO NOT miss the Public Safety Village<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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DEF CON SG is the first time DEF CON is hosting a village dedicated to public safety.<\/p>\n

What would you find here? Well, as the name suggests, you\u2019d chance on cybersecurity challenges linked to real-world public safety technologies. <\/p>\n

Think about hacking systems used for public safety like CCTV cameras, drones, quadrupeds and much more. Learn more about HTX\u2019s public safety village at DEF CON SG here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re going to be at DEF CON SG on Day 1, do hang around to catch the finals of the HTX CTF Competition.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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5. DO NOT pass on the \u201cweird stuff\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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If you only attend the serious talks and skip the \u201coddball\u201d villages (lockpicking, biohacking, social engineering\u2026etc), you\u2019re missing out on the magic of DEF CON. Don\u2019t be the person who says, \u201cI\u2019ll just stick to what I know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Go try something strange. Worst case, you learn something new. Best case, you accidentally discover a new obsession.<\/p>\n

Let curiosity lead the way but keep scepticism within reach so you don\u2019t get hacked!<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Taking place at Marina Bay Sands Singapore from 28-30 April, DEF CON Singapore has been made possible through a partnership between HTX and DEF CON, with the Centre of Strategic Infocomm Technologies (CSIT) as a strategic partner.<\/em><\/p>\n

Get your tickets here<\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n