What’s Going on at Black Hat? Or Are You Incommunicado?

03 Aug What’s Going on at Black Hat? Or Are You Incommunicado?

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In Dark Reading, I enjoyed Lysa Myers’ entertaining and useful tips for surviving Black Hat. Next year, I’ll need to be certain to take these tech precautions, in particular she wrote:

Update your security

Take some time before you leave to beef up your security. Update your software, especially the operating system, browser, and plugins. Block all incoming ports and require outgoing apps to receive manual approval to access the network. Remove any sensitive information from your devices, or use dedicated ones with minimal personal info. Use privacy screen protectors. Use RFID blockers for passports and payment cards. Enable two-factor authentication wherever it’s available. Install HTTPS Everywhere. Make sure your passwords are strong and unique for all accounts. Take a snapshot of your devices to make restoring them from backup as easy as possible.

And she continued on with:

Security on the floor

Ideally you should leave your laptop at home and bring a burner phone with minimal personal info. If you can’t do that, you can still minimize your risk by taking some precautions. Encrypt your devices. Turn off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC. Turn off your phone or put it in airplane mode as much as possible. Use the internet sparingly and don’t log in websites or services unless absolutely necessary. If you do, use VPN and the cell network whenever possible, at least 1000 feet from the conference area. Do not use ATMs, as there may be skimmers (and exorbitant fees). Log out of as many services as you can, especially banking and mobile wallet apps, until you’re home. Just say no to charging stations, and scan removable media before use.

Here’s the whole article.

Thanks, Lysa, for answering some of my most pressing questions about attending…and feeding my curiosity.

For those of you who are at Black Hat this year, any other tips you care to share?

Lynn is currently VP of Marketing at Fortscale. With over 19 years experience in the security industry—she has a deep understanding of fraud prevention, security technology, and SaaS solutions.

For over 20 years, Lynn has been creating and executing marketing programs that inspire people to take action. Well known for her excellent track record in generating and nurturing leads, her success comes from understanding how to develop integrated marketing campaigns that build brands and drive revenue.

Before Fortscale, Lynn was president, creative director, and senior security marketing consultant at Positive Impact Partner, Inc. and director of international marketing at ThreatMetrix. She has a BS in human development from the University of California-Davis.

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