Things to Do
Capture the Flag
Presented by Xanthus Security
Prepare to immerse yourself in the ultimate cybersecurity challenge at BSides Ottawa! This year’s Capture the Flag (CTF) competition will push your skills to the limit as you unravel intricate puzzles, exploit vulnerabilities, and decode encrypted mysteries. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a curious newcomer, the CTF offers a dynamic battle of skills and wit! Collaborate with fellow enthusiasts, race against the clock, and experience the rush of cracking the code. The stakes are high, the challenges are formidable, and the rewards go beyond just the thrill of victory. Will you rise to the occasion?
CTF is open from 9:00am – 5:30pm both days.
Lockpick Village
Presented by TOOOL Ottawa
Giving keyless entry a different meaning…
New or experienced, come learn how lock picking works, and try it yourself on a variety of practice locks leading to progressively more challenging locks. TOOOL Ottawa reminds everyone to never pick a lock you do not have permission to open, and never pick a lock you depend on. This village has plenty of locks, cuffs and challenges to satisfy your curiosity so you need not be tempted to practice on your own door locks, with friendly people nearby to help and encourage you.
Lock picking is a rewarding experience and in under and hour many people are able to master the techniques and get the thrill of opening some of the most common padlocks available. Other hands on training will include lock pinning, handcuffs and bypass tools.
Embedded Systems Village
Presented by Loudmouth Security
Embedded systems exist at the intersection of hardware and software, built to accomplish a specific task. Often these disciplines are dealt with individually, but understanding the custom relationships between hardware and software is key to performing security research on these devices.
Embedded Systems Village advances the security of embedded systems by hosting hands-on hacking workshops, showcasing new security research demos, and organizing exciting hacking contests to educate attendees and manufacturers on the approach hackers use to attack these devices. Attendees will leave the village with an understanding of how to reduce complex, exotic devices to their underlying embedded components and to extract the information required to use the tools and techniques taught at other villages where embedded systems are on display. What we will bring:
Labs: We have a lab platform that brings everyone from every skill level to the same playing field with step by step instructions that aim to teach individuals specific techniques and skills in a hands-on manner.
Interactive Hacking Content: We want to showcase the weird and cool embedded devices that aren’t highlighted in other villages, and provide an opportunity for hackers to get hands-on experience hacking them.
Contests: This is what our team is best known for. We build crazy CTFs, and this year will be no different. We are working on a brand new CTF contest that will support everyone from the casual player (i.e. someone that only wants to drop in for a few minutes) all the way to the hardcore teams.
Expect unique devices, new challenge formats and that WOW factor that our CTFs have had in the past. Building on our lessons learned and experience over the years, we are confident that this track will not disappoint!
Blue Team Village
Step into the world of cyber resilience at the Blue Team Village, where your expertise in detection, investigation, and response is key. This immersive experience is designed to challenge your ability to uncover hidden threats, analyze complex incidents, and piece together the story behind cyber intrusions. You’ll work alongside like-minded professionals, applying cutting-edge techniques in digital forensics and incident response to real-world scenarios. Whether you’re experienced in blue teaming or eager to enhance your skills, the Blue Team Village offers a hands-on environment where your investigative instincts and analytical prowess will shine.
Career Fair
The BSides Ottawa Career Fair is an expo-style event where potential employers and employees to get to know each other in person, to ask questions, and—in some cases—even to start the application process. Whether you’re just getting your feet wet or are a battle-hardened cybersec ninja, come to the fair either or both days and see what shakes out!
