In the beginning, there was chaos. The 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s were a transformative era for cybersecurity. This was a time shaped by the rise of microprocessors, the underground hacking scene, and a cultural collision of innovation and rebellion. Understanding this historical foundation offers critical insights into the cybersecurity challenges we face today.

During this presentation, we will explore the untamed security landscape of this period, delving into how the underground hacking community reshaped technology, culture, and ethics. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of: 

• The ideological divide between white hats, black hats, and gray hats, and their lasting influence on cybersecurity practices
• How exploit development and countercultural ingenuity paved the way for modern attack and defense strategies
• The moral and ethical dilemmas faced by hackers who operated in the gray zone, navigating principles, profit, and curiosity

Join TrustedSec Principal Security Consultant Mike Felch for an eye-opening journey into the lost underground, where ingenuity, disobedience, and complexity defined the digital frontier. We’ll uncover how this era influenced today’s cybersecurity landscape, from the rise of exploit tactics to the ideological underpinnings that continue to shape ethical hacking debates. 

Don’t miss your chance to explore the untold stories of the digital outlaws who walked the fine line between innovation and disruption—and how their legacy informs our modern understanding of cybersecurity.