Cultivating M4D SK1LLZ In the DEF CON Community
Yan Shoshitaishvili, Perri Adams
DEF CON 32 Main Stage · Day 1 · Main Stage
This talk, "Cultivating M4D SK1LLZ In the DEF CON Community," introduces **Defcon Academy**, a new initiative aimed at providing structured, accessible cybersecurity education to the broader DEF CON community. Presented by Perri Adams and Yan Shoshitaishvili, the session highlights the critical need for practical skill development in the cybersecurity landscape and positions Defcon Academy as a community-driven solution. The speakers, both seasoned veterans of the Capture The Flag (CTF) competitive hacking scene, draw upon their extensive experience to articulate the value of hands-on learning and mentorship in mastering complex security concepts.
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This presentation introduces Defcon Academy, a new, community-driven initiative focused on providing structured, hands-on cybersecurity education. Leveraging the proven efficacy of CTF methodologies, the Academy aims to democratize practical skill development, offering a tangible solution to the industry's pervasive skill gap. The speakers, drawing from deep personal experience in competitive hacking and advanced research, effectively demonstrate a commitment to foundational knowledge and a collaborative learning environment, complete with a live, interactive challenge race.