BSides: The Food Truck of Security Conferences

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The week of the RSA Conference is always a big one for the security industry.  Historically more than 10,000 members of the industry pack the Moscone Center to network with their peers, listen/learn from the security cognoscenti and of course check out the latest wares from the vendor community. 

While RSA is a great event and an absolute must-attend for anyone serious about burnishing their security brand, a more underground variety of security gathering is picking up steam and is worth checking out.  It’s called Security Bsides, the 2011 San Fran incarnation of which kicked off on Monday.  

I’d describe it as the security industry’s equivalent to the food truck phenomenon that’s all the rage these days.  Please defend that ridiculous analogy, you say? 

"Yes, I'd like the multi-factor authentication system please"

Well, consider that food trucks thrive when a.) the proprietor has a burning desire to bring his/her delicious wares to people who are hungry for fine cuisine, but perhaps aren’t willing to throw down big money for it; b.) the barriers to starting up a truck in a certain area are minimal; and c) they have a passionate following who truly want the truck to succeed. 

If you’re a vendor with something worthwhile to contribute to the dialogue, it’s worth getting involved with BSides, whether speaking at an event, weighing in via the online community, sponsoring… or just attending and having good conversations with some smart people.  Just remember that BSides isn’t about vendors, so make sure you are authentic, transparent and all that other good stuff.

At this week’s Security Bsides, which was held in a children’s museum (a perfect venue befitting people who don’t take themselves too seriously), I had the good fortune of catching up with Mike Dahn, the founder of Security BSides. 

Take a look to see what Mike has to say about the BSides phenomenon.