The OzSec electronic badge is a custom-designed, programmable device created specifically for attendees of OzSec. This interactive badge goes beyond a simple conference pass—it’s a mini-hacker toolkit packed with a microcontroller, LEDs, and other hardware components. Attendees can dive into coding challenges, solve puzzles, and even unlock hidden features throughout the event. It’s not only a fun and engaging way to level up your cybersecurity skills, but also a unique souvenir from the OzSec experience!
To connect to an electronic badge using a serial connection, you'll need a USB-to-serial adapter or cable, depending on the badge's interface. First, connect the badge to your computer via the USB port. Next, open a serial communication tool such as PuTTY, Tera Term, or a terminal emulator on your system. Select the correct COM port for your device (you can find this in your system’s device manager or equivalent). Set the baud rate according to the badge’s documentation—common values are 9600 or 115200. Once configured, click "Open" or start the session, and you'll be connected to the badge’s serial interface, allowing you to interact with its firmware, run commands, or troubleshoot any issues.
Learning about the various cities in Kansas that have been hacked reveals a concerning trend in cybersecurity threats targeting local governments. Over the past few years, several Kansas municipalities have fallen victim to ransomware attacks, data breaches, and other forms of cybercrime. These incidents highlight vulnerabilities in smaller city networks that may lack the robust security infrastructure of larger urban areas. By studying these cases, cybersecurity professionals and local IT departments can gain valuable insights into how these attacks occurred, the response measures taken, and ways to improve defenses against future threats. It's a wake-up call for cities across the region to prioritize cybersecurity to safeguard sensitive public data and maintain essential services.
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of solving a Capture the Flag (CTF) challenge! After hours of troubleshooting, decoding, and testing your skills, that moment when you finally crack the code and capture the flag feels exhilarating. Each challenge pushes your problem-solving abilities, and the sense of accomplishment when you succeed is incredibly rewarding. It’s the perfect blend of fun, learning, and competition that keeps you coming back for more!
Click the CTF link above to join the challenge game with an opportunity to win prizes.