To more than a few cybersecurity professionals, industry conferences have become too much about the marketing and not enough about hands-on learning.
That frustration is part of what led to the creation of CYBR.HAK.CON., a new grassroots cybersecurity conference built specifically for ethical hackers, penetration testers, security researchers, defenders, and aspiring cybersecurity professionals, and yes – security vendors. The emphasis for all is to have a hands-on learning experience AND a broader understanding of the tools and solutions on display.
Event and tickets:
Built in partnership with renowned penetration tester, educator, author, and podcast host Phillip Wylie, CYBR.HAK.CON. represents the next evolution of community-driven hacker conferences. The event is also backed by the same team that founded and operated HOU.SEC.CON. from 2010 through 2025, bringing years of experience building practitioner-focused cybersecurity events.
A Cybersecurity Conference Built for Practitioners
The idea behind CYBR.HAK.CON. is straightforward: create a cybersecurity conference where practitioners come first. To that end, attendees can expect:
- Hands-on cybersecurity training led by experienced practitioners
- Interactive security villages and hacking environments
- Ethical hacking and penetration testing education
- Opportunities to collaborate with red teamers, blue teamers, researchers, and builders
- Community-focused networking and mentorship opportunities
The goal is to create an event that feels closer to the original spirit of hacker culture: curiosity, creativity, technical depth, and open collaboration.
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The Evolution of Grassroots Hacker Conferences
The rise of CYBR.HAK.CON also reflects a larger shift happening across the cybersecurity industry.
As cybersecurity conferences have grown larger and more commercialized over the years, many practitioners have started looking for smaller, more technical, community-oriented events that prioritize education and collaboration over marketing spectacle.
To be clear, big conferences like RSAC, Black Hat and DefCon play an important role in cybersecurity culture. We at CYBR.SEC.Community always attend those events and love seeing everyone.
But those are not always the best fit for some in the community, especially those who are sensitive to the kind of cognitive overload cybersecurity luminary Winn Schwartau described in a recent episode of CYBR.HAK.CAST:
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CYBR.HAK.CON positions itself squarely within that movement. Rather than trying to become another massive corporate conference, the event focuses on building an environment where cybersecurity professionals at every stage of their careers, from aspiring ethical hackers to veteran penetration testers, can sharpen their skills and connect with others who share the same passion for the craft.
Building the Next Generation of Ethical Hackers
Beyond the training and technical content, CYBR.HAK.CON is also focused on growing the broader cybersecurity community.
The conference aims to create opportunities for mentorship, career development, and knowledge sharing that help lower barriers for newcomers entering cybersecurity while still delivering advanced technical value for experienced practitioners.
That matters at a time when organizations continue to struggle with cybersecurity workforce shortages, skills gaps, and increasing demands for practical security expertise.
By combining hands-on learning, community collaboration, and hacker culture, CYBR.HAK.CON hopes to help cultivate the next generation of cybersecurity leaders while preserving the grassroots spirit that helped shape the industry in the first place.
We hope to see y'all there.
