Q: What are DC-Groups?
A: Spawned from the annual Defcon security conference, Defcon Groups (DCGs or DC-Groups) are a gathering point for folks interested in the alternate applications of modern technology. DCGs are not intended to compete with any other computer group like 2600, but rather to provide yet another gathering place. Our meetings will be open to anyone and everyone regardless of their skill, age, job, gender, etc. This is a forum to discuss technology with like minded folks. DCGs are designed to help you learn new things, and if you think you are up for it maybe you can teach us a thing or two.
Q:How many DCGs are there?
A:Currently there are over 20 different DCGs, covering more then 15 states.
Q: Who runs them?
A: DCGs are run by different members in each city/state/country.
The organizers range from Information Security Professionals, and Networking Specialist to Web Designers and Students, there's even a Law Enforcement Professional who runs one of the meetings.
Q: When/Where do they meet?
A: Each DCG meets at different times and different places depending on their location. For more information as to when and where they meet. You should check out www.defcon.org.
Q: What are the people who attend these meetings like?
A: Just like the organizers of the event, the attendee's vary as well. They come from every walk of life and profession crossing cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual, gender, age, boundaries that usually separate other organizations. This is done because they all share a common interest that brings them all together.
Q: Is this a hacker meeting?
A: No, this is something better. Anything with the 'hacker' label on it tends attract only one kind of person. This meeting is designed to attract not only hackers but members of the InfoSec community and people who want to learn more about InfoSec but do not consider themselves hackers. The purpose here is to interact with people who may have different backgrounds but share the same passion for technology. Many security people feel that hackers are nothing but trouble and many hackers feel that security people are clueless, let's use this meeting to change those perceptions.
Q: Are skript kids, lamers, and n00bs welcome?
A: Yes, but with caveats. Some meetings and groups try to exclude those they consider to be lame, unskilled, or just simply new. Most folks do so because they want to forget that at one point, they themselves were new/unskilled too. The DC-Groups are more than happy to have these folks, provided they are there to learn a few things and have a desire to increase their skill. If you are content being a script kid, a lamer, or a n00b, feel free to attend but try not to be disruptive of those there to learn new things. As the quote says 'Ignorance is forgivable, because it's curable; stupidity is not... The difference between ignorance and stupidity is in the desire to remain ignorant'. Being a hacker is about wanting to evolve quicker than the masses, so take advantage of any opportunity to do so.
Q: Is there a mailing list/website?
A: This varies between each individual group. Many have websites and mailing lists already setup. For more information on this subject, check http://www.defcon.org and find the DC-Group in your area.
Q: Does Illegal Activity happen at these meetings?
A: DC-Groups do not condone illegal activity.
Q: I'm with law enforcement or the media, can I come?
A: Sure, just be open with people about who you are and what you do. This helps us to get on an even ground and avoid any misunderstandings. In fact, if you could drop an email to the local DC-Group point of contact ahead of time we would appreciate it.
