What is DEF CON Hotline?

DEF CON is more than just a hacking conference—it’s a community. In this episode, host AJ Nash sits down with Ada Zebra, a longtime goon and leader behind DEF CON Hotline, a resource dedicated to handling security incidents, harassment reports, and crisis situations at the event. Ada shares her journey from a first-time attendee to a key figure in DEF CON’s security efforts, shedding light on the history and evolution of the hotline.

She discusses how the hotline was born out of necessity after an incident in 2017, when leadership realized DEF CON needed a dedicated space for attendees to report issues safely. Since its launch in 2018, the hotline has grown every year, bringing in highly trained volunteers to assist in complex situations ranging from restraining orders to personal safety concerns.

AJ and Ada also explore the hotline’s relationship with DEF CON’s security team, how volunteers are selected and trained, and why fostering an inclusive environment matters in the hacker community. If you’ve ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at one of the world’s largest hacker gatherings, this episode offers an inside look at the challenges, responsibilities, and impact of the DEF CON Hotline.

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