Security B-Sides Los Angeles presented a fun and educational opportunity for the local information security community to engage in open conversation over several relevant topics.
Created by and for information security community members, B-Sides originated when several quality speakers were unable to speak at Black Hat USA 2009 due to lack of space and time. Since its origins in Las Vegas, B-Sides has grown into a global security force and is the first grass roots, open security conference in the world.
B-Sides is unlike other security events. It is a platform for people to collaborate; the only requirement is participation. According to the conference’s main page, “It is a time for all of us to learn, share and explore without judgment, and to inspire those around us.”
Held at the Dockweiler Youth Center and Dockweiler State Beach, there were 20 talks over the course of two days, Aug. 22 and 23. Several engaging speakers presented on topics including international security threats, the steps of selling an information security program, academic security clubs and mentoring youth in information security, among others.
The theme of the year was mentorship; various talks throughout the event centered on bringing new people into the security community as well as raising awareness of security in general. Seasoned security professionals, students with a focus on security, security hobbyists and complete newbies gathered to “discover the next big thing.”
Photo c/o southerncaliforniabeaches.org