DEF CON's Noob Village: Creating Space for Cybersecurity Beginners

Security Chipmunks

Send us a text

Ready to break down the intimidating barriers of cybersecurity conferences? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Josh Mason, a former Air Force pilot and cyber warfare officer who's on a mission to make the industry more accessible to newcomers.
Josh shares his personal journey from military service into the cybersecurity field, revealing the challenges he faced along the way and how those experiences inspired him to help others navigate similar paths. As the creator of DEF CON's upcoming Noob Village, he's tackling a problem many have whispered about but few have addressed: the often overwhelming nature of hacking conferences for first-time attendees.
The Noob Village concept is refreshingly innovative - creating a dedicated space where beginners can find guidance, connections, and support without judgment. We explore the unique features of this initiative, including a beginner-friendly CTF with a twist: participants earn recognition not just for solving challenges but also for helping others succeed. With talks from industry experts like Jason Haddix and Philip Wiley, plus a "No Stupid Questions" table staffed by friendly volunteers, the village promises to transform how newcomers experience DEF CON.
Perhaps most valuable is Josh's insight into effective networking in cybersecurity. Forget strategic business card exchanges - he advocates for simply showing up with a friendly attitude and genuine curiosity. Through his experiences at conferences like Wild West Hacking Fest (which he describes as feeling like "a family reunion I look forward to"), we discover how the most meaningful professional connections often start with casual conversations and shared experiences.
Curious about breaking into cybersecurity or making industry events more inclusive? This episode offers practical wisdom, encouragement, and a reminder that behind every intimidating technical challenge is a community of people eager to help you succeed. Connect with the Noob Village Discord community at noobvillage.org/Discord and discover how you can contribute to making cybersecurity more welcoming for everyone.

Socials

• Join our Chipmunk community Discord server: https://discord.gg/9yfWP6evYQ
• Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SecChipmunk
• You can find us online at: https://securitychipmunks.com

Chapters

1. Welcome to Security Chipmunks (00:00:00)

2. Josh's Cybersecurity Journey (00:01:30)

3. DEF CON Noob Village Initiative (00:05:20)

4. Engaging Talks and Expert Speakers (00:10:00)

5. Networking in Cybersecurity Communities (00:14:40)

6. The Impact of Volunteering in Cyber (00:19:00)