How old do you have to be to attend Defcon?

[kidlinux]

Hello everyone, this is my first time posting so be nice! :)

I will be turning 17 this coming february, and I'd really like to go to Defcon and eventually Blackhat. But what is the minimum age? Are under 18 people not allowed?

[highwizard]

Hello everyone, this is my first time posting so be nice! :)

I will be turning 17 this coming february, and I'd really like to go to Defcon and eventually Blackhat. But what is the minimum age? Are under 18 people not allowed?

The Simple answer is Yes. However, there are other concerns that do arise, like how are you planning to get a room?

I do have one other question (for now). Just out of curiousity, why do you want to come to Defcon?

[skroo]

Hello everyone, this is my first time posting so be nice! :)

I will be turning 17 this coming february, and I'd really like to go to Defcon and eventually Blackhat. But what is the minimum age? Are under 18 people not allowed?

There's no age limit on attending Defcon. However, as Highwizard pointed out, you may run into problems with things like getting a room, renting a car, etc. if you're under 18. Best bet is to try to find people to crash with while you're there.

[kidlinux]

Okay thanks. I live in California and have a car so it is just a few hour drive to Las Vegas. How old do you have to be to get a hotel room? I have some >18 friends who might like to attend to, but do you have to be 21 to get a room?

I am very interested in computer security and think that's what I'd like to do for a job in the future, but I don't know a lot of people interested in this too and I want to meet them at Defcon! Plus I want to attend talks and learn as much as I can. So far I am doing only simple things like playing with Snort and ACID console just watching my DSL, and I installed an OpenBSD firewall too. I've been using GNU/Linux for 3 years and now every computer in my house except for the firewall runs GNU/Linux, even my parents computer. It's great to be MS free, we didn't get any Blaster worms or viruses ever. "Install Linux, problem solved" so they say :)

[jesse]

If you're going by yourself, you should really be 18. The Alexis Park is a non-gambling hotel, so people who are >18 but still <21 can easily rent rooms there, but no one under 18 will be able to. This is one reason why Defcon is held at the Alexis Park. However, the AP will most certainly require a credit card or a cash deposit for a room.

Also, make sure to reserve a room like a minimum of 4 months before Defcon.

[skroo]

I am very interested in computer security and think that's what I'd like to do for a job in the future, but I don't know a lot of people interested in this too and I want to meet them at Defcon!

Start sooner... See the Local Meetings forum to locate people in your neck of the woods. Can't hurt to know a few before heading out :) Being in California, that shouldn't be a problem - there are meetings in or near pretty much every major city.

Plus I want to attend talks and learn as much as I can. So far I am doing only simple things like playing with Snort and ACID console just watching my DSL, and I installed an OpenBSD firewall too.

Snort's a really nice IDS. Take a look at snortsam for useful ways to extend its functionality.

[Sirius]

I'm glad someone else asked this because I was thinking the same thing. I am only 16 but will be 17 before the next Defcon. I'd like to attend but I live in GA and don't know anyone who attends or is from Las Vegas. Most likely I'll wait until I'm 18 and go beginning that year. What an exiting way to celebrate your 18th birthday.

I, like kidlinux, also would like to work in computer security. I really need to get my hands on Linux, as I've never even seen it. I have been limited to Windows my whole life and have never expanded. I have only learned the .net languages but I am now starting to learn the advantages of languages like Python. Hopefully Linux will be a nice surprise compared to M$.

[Xodia]

Kidlinux, Instant Message/PM me if you are sure about going. Me and my friends will be more than happy to help you out. We have my dad is getting a room for us (being the gambler he is, I doubt I'll even see him). I'm 16, there are alot of young hackers out there if you look.

[highwizard]

Kidlinux, Instant Message/PM me if you are sure about going. Me and my friends will be more than happy to help you out. We have my dad is getting a room for us (being the gambler he is, I doubt I'll even see him). I'm 16, there are alot of young hackers out there if you look.

Any cute and young?

[ck3k]

Any cute and young?

Bring me some females ;)

[kidlinux]

Kidlinux, Instant Message/PM me if you are sure about going. Me and my friends will be more than happy to help you out. We have my dad is getting a room for us (being the gambler he is, I doubt I'll even see him). I'm 16, there are alot of young hackers out there if you look.

I do not use instant messaging, and I think I am okay now because I just wanted to know if you had to be 18 to register. I have friends who can get a room

[highwizard]

I do not use instant messaging, and I think I am okay now because I just wanted to know if you had to be 18 to register. I have friends who can get a room

Saving yourself for me I see.... Good.. Very good.

[Xodia]

Bring me some females ;)

Actually, there will be a girl with me, She's easy so I'll put in a good word for you Ck. :)

[{x}taSy]

Actually, there will be a girl with me, She's easy so I'll put in a good word for you Ck. :)

Put in a good word for me too.

[ck3k]

Actually, there will be a girl with me, She's easy so I'll put in a good word for you Ck. :)

Now thats the spirit ;)

/me hands Xodia a drink