Click Here Who let the Feds out?
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Aug 8, 2025 Dive into the fascinating world of DEF CON, where rogue hackers and law enforcement meet. Explore the uneasy alliance that has formed over the years, beginning with the hostility during Operation Sun Devil. Hear about the shifting dynamics of trust and collaboration in digital crime. Discover how the landscape has changed post-Snowden, prompting discussions on government engagement versus hacker autonomy. Finally, delve into the importance of diverse representation in cybersecurity decision-making, shaping the future of tech policy.
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1990 Hacker Crackdown
- Operation Sun Devil was a major 1990 crackdown on hackers across multiple cities, targeting digital crimes like credit card fraud.
- This law enforcement action felt like war to hackers, threatening their identity and culture.
Prosecutor Speaks at DEF CON
- Prosecutor Gail Thackeray, once a hacker adversary, was invited to speak at DEF CON to clarify legal boundaries.
- Her candid talk helped hackers understand the law, fostering the first face-to-face engagement between hackers and law enforcement.
NSA Director's Controversial Speech
- In 2012, NSA Director General Keith Alexander gave a DEF CON keynote, wearing jeans and a T-shirt to fit in.
- He sought hackers' help to fix cyber challenges, but his claims about NSA surveillance later proved false, breaking trust.