As the final moments of ROOTCON 18 come to a close, we're taking a step back to soak it all in. What an incredible journey it's been! From jaw-dropping hacks, inspiring talks, and unforgettable community vibes -- we couldn't have asked for a better turnout.

A massive shoutout to our amazing sponsors, speakers, and attendees who made this event truly special. Your energy is what keeps the ROOTCON spirit alive year after year.

But wait -- we're not done yet! Stay tuned for the ROOTCON 18 archives, where you'll be able to relive all the best moments and catch up on anything you might have missed.

Thank you for being part of the hacking family, and get ready for what's next. ROOTCON 19 is coming!

Until then, stay curious, stay secure, and keep hacking!

ROOTCON ❤️ you!

ROOTCON 18 Schedule is locked and loaded!

- CTFs that will push you to your limits
- Workshops to level up your skills
- Villages that explore every corner of the hacking world
- Speaker Sessions from the top minds in cybersecurity
- And don’t forget the Zero Hour Party—hack hard, party harder!

Plan ahead and pack-up your gears!

Let’s go, hackerfam!

For your schedule planning pleasures head out to https://info.rootcon.org/

Heads up, The moment you’ve been itching for is here—the Village Talks line-up for ROOTCON 18 is officially LIVE!

Start planning your must-see sessions, and get ready to make this the most unforgettable ROOTCON

For more details visit https://www.rootcon.org/html/rc18/villagetalks

Mystery Challenge is back this year! Get ready to test your skills and dive into the unknown! More thrilling and challenging, pushing boundaries for your knowledge, creativity and imagination. Whether you're a seasoned hacker or a curious newcomer, this is your chance to prove your mettle and take on the ultimate hacking gauntlet.

What to expect? Expect the unexpected! The Mystery Challenge is designed to test a wide range of skills, from cryptography to network security and everything in between.

For more details and to register visit https://www.rootcon.org/html/rc18/contests#mystery_challenge

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the organizations that have shown interest in supporting the most anticipated hacker conference in the country!

This year's lineup of sponsors is exceptional, and we are excited to showcase their contributions in making ROOTCON 18 an unforgettable experience for all attendees. Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare to unveil the full list of our esteemed sponsors and the exciting activities they have in store.

For those who didn't make it to the cut, we are still looking for big hearts to become a party sponsors. Here's a short list.

- Booze sponsor -- sponsor a booze at the chill-out area.
- Day 1 Party Sponsor -- sponsor the Day 1 party sponspor, a good networking event for your organization.

If you are interested reach out to sponsors /at/ rootcon dot org.

ROOTCON 18 is just around the corner, and this year's village line-up is hotter than ever! From lockpicking to car hacking, the villages are packed with hands-on activities, jaw-dropping challenges, and mind-blowing workshops. Whether you're a rookie or a pro, there's something here for you.

Here are the village line-up this year.

Car Hacking Village
Hardware Hacking Village
Cellular Assault Village
Recon Village
Red Teaming Village
LockPick Village

To know more about the villages, visit https://www.rootcon.org/html/rc18/villages

Call For Sponsors is now open!

ROOTCON is thrilled to announce the opening of Call For Sponsors!

ROOTCON has consistently delivered exceptional content, fostered invaluable networking opportunities, and showcased the latest innovations in cybersecurity. Our conference has become a focal point for the industry, attracting a diverse and engaged audience eager to explore emerging trends, share insights, and collaborate on addressing the most pressing challenges facing the cybersecurity landscape.

As a sponsor of ROOTCON 18, your company will have the opportunity to:

Elevate Your Brand - Gain prominent visibility and recognition among a targeted audience of cybersecurity professionals and enthusiasts.

Forge Connections - Network with industry leaders, influencers, and potential partners to build relationships and explore collaboration opportunities.

Showcase Solutions - Demonstrate your products, services, and expertise to an engaged audience seeking innovative solutions to enhance their cybersecurity efforts.

Support the Community - Align your brand with ROOTCON's commitment to advancing cybersecurity knowledge, awareness, and education.

We offer a range of sponsorship packages designed to accommodate various budgets and objectives, ensuring that your company can maximize its impact and achieve its goals as a sponsor of ROOTCON 18. Whether you're looking to increase brand visibility, generate leads, or demonstrate thought leadership, there's a sponsorship opportunity tailored to meet your needs.

Checkout the Call For Sponsors for details!

Announcing the moment you've all been waiting for: Registration for ROOTCON 18 is OFFICIALLY OPEN!

This year upfront we only have two ticket types, Human+ and Human. Human+ is with training bundle and Human is conference access only!

And the countdown begins! prepare to immerse yourself in a world of cutting-edge topics, groundbreaking research, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned professional, a curious newcomer, or somewhere in between, ROOTCON 18 promises to be an experience like no other.

Join us for three days of electrifying talks, hands-on workshops, and thrilling challenges, all curated to ignite your passion for hacking and propel your skills to new heights.

Don't miss your chance to be part of this epic event. Secure your spot now and be part of the hacking community shaping the future of cybersecurity.

REGISTER NOW and get 15% discount, discount until June 15 only!

"Daemon" by Daniel Suarez is a gripping techno-thriller that explores the consequences of a computer program created by a deceased gaming magnate. When Matthew Sobol, the mastermind behind the Daemon, dies, his creation is unleashed upon the world. The Daemon is an autonomous computer program designed to infiltrate and manipulate various systems, from financial markets to government institutions, with the goal of restructuring society according to Sobol's vision.

As the Daemon begins to exert its influence, a disparate group of characters, including law enforcement officials, computer programmers, and gamers, become entangled in its web. They must navigate a complex and increasingly dangerous landscape as they attempt to understand and combat the Daemon's far-reaching effects.

Suarez expertly weaves together elements of technology, conspiracy, and suspense, creating a thought-provoking narrative that explores themes of power, control, and the ethical implications of technological advancement. Through its fast-paced plot and well-developed characters, "Daemon" offers a chilling glimpse into a future where the lines between the virtual and real worlds blur, raising questions about the potential dangers of unchecked technological innovation.

Get a copy on Amazon

THEME: CONNECTED REALITIES Our theme this year is dub as “Connected Realities”, in a world where every action, transaction, and interaction leaves a digital footprint, ROOTCON 18 invites hackers, cybersecurity professionals, and tech enthusiasts to come together and explore the convergence of virtual and physical realms. Join us as we peel back the layers of the digital nexus to reveal the interconnected realities that shape our lives.

Through immersive workshops, cutting-edge presentations, and interactive experiences, attendees will gain valuable insights into the interplay between technology, society, and security in our hyper-connected world. From IoT devices, social engineering to threat intelligence, ROOTCON 18 offers a comprehensive exploration of the challenges and opportunities presented by our interconnected realities.

Let's all celebrate the transformative power of connectivity to revolutionize industries, empower individuals, and drive innovation. Whether you're a seasoned expert or a curious novice, ROOTCON 18 provides a platform for learning, collaboration, and discovery that transcends boundaries and fosters growth in the cybersecurity community.

So come join us as we delve into the depths of connected realities, forging new connections, sharing knowledge, and shaping the future of cybersecurity.

Look n Feel

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What’s up Hacker Fam!

Countdown to ROOTCON 18 is officially on! and we are zooming ahead at full throttle, buckle up and get ready for an adrenaline-fueled ride through the world of hackery!

We are thrilled to unveil some notable dates that will shape this epic event!

May 1 - Call For Papers
May 8 - Registration Opening
May 13 - Call For Sponsors

Keep your radars up for more announcements!

With immense gratitude, we can now put ROOTCON 17 to the books, leaving us with unforgettable memories, experiences, and of course, a wealth of knowledge to carry forward. Our sincerest thanks to all con-goers, sponsors, speakers, and staff who made ROOTCON 17 a resounding success.

Today we are excited to announce that our extensive archives are now partially processed and now available for viewing and download.

Check out ROOTCON 17 Archives page for details, if you want to indulge in watching the talks visit our YouTube ROOTCON 17 Playlist.

Village Track videos are underway stay tuned.

We have been receiving calls, texts, and emails regarding the situation of the Taal Volcanic Smog. To clear things up, here is an official statement from both ROOTCON and Taal Vista Hotel.

Quote from Taal Vista Hotel Operations
"As of September 21, 2023 at 4:00PM per the advisory of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, there is a presence of volcanic smog caused by the Taal Volcano. Taal Vista Hotel is situated in Tagaytay City, Cavite, which is about 27 kilometers away from the Taal Volcano. While there is no immediate or direct hazard expected to affect Taal Vista Hotel at this time, the management continues to monitor the situation through constant coordination with the local authorities."

Manila Times: Phivolcs allays fears over Taal smog, no need to raise alert level

We are working closely with Taal Vista Hotel to monitor the situation and come up with a contingency plan should this situation worsen. We will be doing an ocular the soonest possible time to assess the situation. Rest assured the safety of our crew, con-goers, speakers, and sponsors is our utmost priority.

Keep your radars open on our social media channels for announcements.

The ROOTCON 17 Schedule LIVE! You may now starting planning your conference experience, parties to attend, villages to visit and of course sponsors to talk to.

ROOTCON 17 is almost here, we are just six days away and we are officially getting psyched.

Visit the RC17 Schedule Page, you can also download the handy RC17 Pocket Guide.

Are you ready to party? Cuz we are, the largest hacker party in the country by far is back this year!

Here's the whole shenanigans

Right after the Day 1 session, After-Dark Party will kick in drinks and a little pica is on us (limited while supply lasts). Aside from all the party drinking that we will be having, the After-Dark Party will be hosting the first ROOTCON Beer Pong Championship (hacker style), Our friends from Emerson who happened to be the sponsor for this party will also be hosting a networking session.

On the second day, we will be having our after-con party AKA Zerø-Hour together with the infamous Hacker Jeopardy.

You may register via Eventbrite and choose Zer0-Hour Party, limited seats only! Your registration will cover your drinks (while supply lasts), pica and we will be having a live band!

We don't want to be a party pooper so have Taal Vista Mobile Bar on standby and ready to serve some beverages both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks but of course, this will be paid at your own expense.

Now that's one hell of a party, prepare those dance moves, splendid voice (if you are into singing) and of course those liver!

Can't wait to party with old and new friends! See you there!

Special mention to Taal Vista Hotel for allowing us to extend our party until 2:00AM! Yes you read that right!

We are days away from ROOTCON 17, and our villages are taking shape! Here is the initial line-up of village talks, more are underway.

Car Hacking Village Talks
Analysis of an In-vehicular network: From CAN bus to infotainment by Div0 CSQ
Present-day vehicles such as the Connected vehicles (CV) include wireless and external functionalities that improve drivers' experiences. CV will continue to play a huge role in our daily lives despite mass adoptions on Electric Vehicles (EV) and testing on Autonomous Vehicles (AV). This talk will feature CSQ’s test bench 3 as we explore more features on Connected vehicles. We will talk more about Infotainment systems and the difficulties we face with setting up bench 3 and go through the vehicular architectural differences between test bench 2 and 3. Finally, we will point out some learning points and challenges.

Blue Team Tricks - An overview of Automotive Defensive Engineering By Scott Sheahan
Sun Tzu said, "If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.” This talk is for car hackers to learn about modern defense measures being added to ECUs and Vehicle Architectures.

Cellular Assault Village Talks
Uncovering Cellphone Risks: Interception and Other Mobile Attacks
In this talk, we'll explore the world of mobile security. We'll dive into how our everyday mobile devices and the communication system connect. We'll uncover different ways that hackers can attack mobiles, from intercepting calls to faking sender names in texts. We'll also dig into how these attacks work, like reading SMS over-the-air. We'll cover both passive and active ways that hackers intercept data. Passive ones quietly gather info transmitted between devices and cell towers. Active methods, on the other hand, pretend to be real cell towers to mess with communications. As we wrap up, you'll walk away armed with insights into the potential risks that our beloved mobile devices face and equipped with knowledge on safeguarding yourself against these digital threats.

Lockpick Village Talks
Safe Cracking 101: manipulating mechanical Group 2 safe locks
Mechanical safe locks have been around for a very very long time, and with good reason, many have no idea how they work. With the obscurity of this safety mechanism, we achieve security. In this talk, we explore the working mechanisms of Group 2 Safe locks, debunk some Hollywood myths and learn to exploit it's inherent weaknesses.

More details a the RC17 Villages