UPDATED: 2018.0731
Every year I go through an exercise of sorting through all my gear to figure out which ones I will bring to hacker summer camp. I always end up bringing more than I need. But just like any of you, I go by “it’s better to have and not need than to need and not have”. Don’t deny it… you can all look in your garages, basements and storage units and see how much hacking stuff you’ve accumulated through the years. And if you’re just starting out, give it a couple of years, and you’ll see what I mean.
NOTE: It's your first DEF CON!?! Awesome, welcome to hacker summer camp! See the DEF CON 3-2-1 Rules below.
Every year I go through an exercise of sorting through all my gear to figure out which ones I will bring to hacker summer camp. I always end up bringing more than I need. But just like any of you, I go by “it’s better to have and not need than to need and not have”. Don’t deny it… you can all look in your garages, basements and storage units and see how much hacking stuff you’ve accumulated through the years. And if you’re just starting out, give it a couple of years, and you’ll see what I mean.
NOTE: It's your first DEF CON!?! Awesome, welcome to hacker summer camp! See the DEF CON 3-2-1 Rules below.
Here is my basic hacker summer camp check list:
CASH:
Bring cash, you'll need it for registration. Using ATMs in or near the con's vicinity is not advised.
LAPTOP and CELL PHONE: (Don't use your work issued laptop or cell)
(1) Burner Laptop
I dual-boot with Kali and Windows. Kali being my main OS, I would also setup a variety of backup VMs in Virtual Box. Test and get familiar with your VMs before you go.
(1) Burner Cellphone
You'll need one to constantly be in touch with your hacker group. Also helps in keeping
tabs on happenings during the con. (Note: If you have an Android, you can look into creating a separate user profile with limited functionality.)
<<eBay is your friend when looking for gear for occasional use. Remember that these are not your daily comm gear. You do not need the latest or greatest models or versions.>>
(2) Baofeng Radios UV5R
POWER / ELECTRICITY:
(1) Portable Charger
You’ll need it to charge your phone, and power your #badgelife addiction.
You’ll need it to charge your phone, and power your #badgelife addiction.
(2) Power Strips
Get a small one to carry around with you, and a big one for your hotel room. It'll be a plus if your power strip has built in USB charging ports.
Get a small one to carry around with you, and a big one for your hotel room. It'll be a plus if your power strip has built in USB charging ports.
<<This is the power strip I use. The USB ports are 2.4v each. It saves you from bringing a bunch of power adapters when travelling.>>
(20+) Batteries – AAA, AA, 9-Volts, CR2032, Li-Po
Batteries are always a premium at the con. Bring a lot and share...
(20+) Batteries – AAA, AA, 9-Volts, CR2032, Li-Po
Batteries are always a premium at the con. Bring a lot and share...
STORAGE:
(1) Portable External Hard Drive 1-2 TB
I'd keep all things downloaded from the con in this drive. Including files and tools you used on your burner laptop during the con.
(10-15) Variety of Memory Cards - I know it's a lot. You really never know what you'll need until you get deep into some challenges. The only ones I actually end up using are the bootables with the Linux distros.
I'd keep all things downloaded from the con in this drive. Including files and tools you used on your burner laptop during the con.
(10-15) Variety of Memory Cards - I know it's a lot. You really never know what you'll need until you get deep into some challenges. The only ones I actually end up using are the bootables with the Linux distros.
NETWORKING:
(1) 5-Port Switch
(1) Portable WiFi Travel
Router
(1) Hi-Gain USB Wireless Long Range Network Adapter
(1) Network Tap
(1) Network Tap
(1) HackRF
(1) Ubertooth
I like network packets, so I need all of these.
I like network packets, so I need all of these.
CABLES:
(2) 15’ network cables
(Variety) USB cables all
kinds – mini, micro, USB-C etc. If you can find an all-in-one cable even better.
<<Here's the one I use. It'll charge an Apple, Android and USB-C phones.
(1) HDMI cable
MISC:
- RFID Blocking Sleeve - you are attending hacking con.
- Duct Tape - if you can't fix it...
- Super Glue - broke it? glue it back together.
- Zip Ties - for keeping things together and other security applications.
- Multi-Tool with Pliers - brute force tools and cutting tools are most welcome.
- Masking Tape - see Duct Tape
- Hot Glue Gun - level up for Super Glue
- Screwdriver Set - level up for multi-tool
- Permanent Markers - someone always needs one.
- Portable Speakers - some #badgelife toys might need it.
EXTRAS: (Village Specific Tools)
- Lock Pick Set
- Soldering kit
- Multimeter
SWAG:
Stickers to trade
Hacker Challenge Coins and Poker Chips
Hacker T-Shirts to trade
Booze for goon bribery.
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DEF CON 3-2-1 Rule
In addition to the list of gear, you will also need personal items. Let the DEF CON 3-2-1 Rule be your guide. Please take note the guide is a minimum recommendation. Let's get started...
At a minimum, 3 hours of sleep a day. Sleep, yes, sleep. Your brain needs it. <Pajamas, toothpaste, tooth brush..etc.>
At a minimum, 2 meals a day. You will need to eat for energy. Booze and beer all day will only take you so far.... Have snacks <Trail mix, power bars, beef jerky, breath mints,...etc.> in your bag because with everything happening around you will most likely contract a case of *FOMO. Set aside a couple of hours to eat. Drink water! It helps if you plan to party all night.
At a minimum, 1 shower a day. Showers are good not only for you but also for the rest of us. <3-4 days worth of change of clothes (includes under garments, socks...etc.), shampoo, soap, deodorant, mouthwash ...etc.> "You plus deodorant = everyone wins." Try to avoid crowded elevators on the 3rd day of hacker summer camp. You can thank me later.
*FOMO - "Fear of missing out"
==========================================================
DEF CON 3-2-1 Rule
In addition to the list of gear, you will also need personal items. Let the DEF CON 3-2-1 Rule be your guide. Please take note the guide is a minimum recommendation. Let's get started...
At a minimum, 3 hours of sleep a day. Sleep, yes, sleep. Your brain needs it. <Pajamas, toothpaste, tooth brush..etc.>
At a minimum, 2 meals a day. You will need to eat for energy. Booze and beer all day will only take you so far.... Have snacks <Trail mix, power bars, beef jerky, breath mints,...etc.> in your bag because with everything happening around you will most likely contract a case of *FOMO. Set aside a couple of hours to eat. Drink water! It helps if you plan to party all night.
At a minimum, 1 shower a day. Showers are good not only for you but also for the rest of us. <3-4 days worth of change of clothes (includes under garments, socks...etc.), shampoo, soap, deodorant, mouthwash ...etc.> "You plus deodorant = everyone wins." Try to avoid crowded elevators on the 3rd day of hacker summer camp. You can thank me later.
*FOMO - "Fear of missing out"
