Security Visionaries | I Do Love To Be BSides the CSIDES (Interview with Samantha Swift)

Get an insider's look at community-driven cybersecurity events like BSides and CSIDES. In this episode of Security Visionaries, host Emily Wearmouth sits down with cybersecurity veteran and community organizer Samantha Swift (BSides organizer, DefCon volunteer) to unpack the power of community-driven security events.

We dive deep into:

• The Origins of BSides: How a community-driven ethos created a global phenomenon.
• CSIDES and Its Mission: What is this newer initiative, and why does it focus on coastal towns?
• Community vs. Corporate: How BSides and CSIDES compare to larger industry events like RSA and InfoSec.
• Fostering Talent: The importance of making the community welcoming for everyone, from students to CISOs, and the "Pac-Man" concept.
• How to Get Involved: Tips on finding or starting your own local BSides event.

If you are "cyber curious" or an industry veteran looking to connect, this episode is a must-listen!

Press Play and join the discussion!

00:00 - 00:50 Introduction

00:51 - 01:38 What is BSides?

01:39 - 03:03 Global reach and impact

03:04 - 04:27 CSIDES and its mission

04:28 - 06:09 Fun with event badges

06:10 - 08:14 Volunteering at cybersecurity events

08:15 - 12:13 Comparing BSides to larger industry events

12:14 - 15:16 BSides ticket pricing

15:17 - 17:16 Value of community events

17:17 - 18:15 Volunteering at Defcon

18:16 - 20:59 Catering to diverse audiences

21:00 - 23:41 Variety of talks and workshops

23:42 -27:38 Interaction between community events and government/policymakers

27:39 - 32:44 Welcoming newcomers and the "Pac-Man" concept

32:45 - 35:14 How to find or start a BSides event

35:15 - 36:59 Final thoughts

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