The DEF CON Experience with Jeff Moss | Be Fearless Podcast EP 5

Be Fearless Podcast by SquareX

In this DEF CON 32 special episode of the Be Fearless Podcast, SquareX Founder Vivek has a conversation with Jeff Moss, Founder of DEF CON and Black Hat. Join Jeff and Vivek as they discuss their experiences at DEF CON and how it’s evolved over the years, what’s next for both sides and more!
0:00 Introduction and DEF CON’s new venue
3:24 Vivek’s experience at DEF CON 32 with SquareX
5:21 Making an inclusive DEF CON culture
6:50 Jeff’s experience at DEF CON 32
8:52 Presenting “Breaking Secure Web Gateways (SWG) for Fun and Profit” on the DEF CON 32 main stage
13:42 DEF CON training and what’s next for Jeff
15:32 Bringing the DEF CON flavor to Singapore International Cyber Week
16:20 Wrapping up the conference
🔔 Follow Jeff and Vivek on:
https://defcon.social/@thedarktangent
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivekramachandran/
📖 Episode Summary:
Jeff Moss, founder of DEF CON and Black Hat, reflects on the rapid changes and challenges faced in organizing DEF CON, He highlights the importance of creating a welcoming environment that encourages spontaneous interactions and fosters a sense of belonging among attendees, regardless of their expertise.
SquareX founder Vivek Ramachandran also shares his experiences presenting at DEF CON since his first time at the conference in 2007, noting the significant impact of live feedback and open dialogue on advancing cybersecurity research. He also mentions the positive audience reaction from SquareX’s talk “Breaking Secure Web Gateways (SWG) for Fun and Profit” on the DEF CON 32 main stage, and its impact on vendors and the industry.
The conversation underscores DEF CON's evolution, with both parties appreciating how the event has grown while maintaining its core values of inclusivity, collaboration, and continuous learning.

🔥 Powered by SquareX
SquareX helps organizations detect, mitigate, and threat hunt web attacks happening against their users in real-time. Find out more about SquareX at https://www.sqrx.com/

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1. Introduction and DEF CON’s new venue (00:00:00)

2. Vivek’s experience at DEF CON 32 with SquareX (00:03:24)

3. Making an inclusive DEF CON culture (00:05:21)

4. Jeff’s experience at DEF CON 32 (00:06:50)

5. Presenting “Breaking Secure Web Gateways (SWG) for Fun and Profit” on the DEF CON 32 main stage (00:08:52)

6. DEF CON training and what’s next for Jeff (00:13:42)

7. Bringing the DEF CON flavor to Singapore International Cyber Week (00:15:32)

8. Wrapping up the conference (00:16:20)