I think that the mentality can be taught. The problem is that rarely does anyone really talk about hacking in that way aymore. What I really appreciate about Defcon these days is the willingness to promote the mentality and community over false ideals of leet hackerdom. First time I saw the badge challenge I didn't even try, next time solved one puzzle, next year formed a team out of people I met in line and in the hallways and we finished second by minutes, next year we came back solved it again, this year we are coming back to do it again and we are coming for the black badge. Each year the puzzle got harder and I got better at solving puzzles. Did my crypto skills improve? Maybe but really it's the mentality that improved. Don't give up, try everything, and trust your instincts. See you at the con Lost.
m57c1 karma
I think that the mentality can be taught. The problem is that rarely does anyone really talk about hacking in that way aymore. What I really appreciate about Defcon these days is the willingness to promote the mentality and community over false ideals of leet hackerdom. First time I saw the badge challenge I didn't even try, next time solved one puzzle, next year formed a team out of people I met in line and in the hallways and we finished second by minutes, next year we came back solved it again, this year we are coming back to do it again and we are coming for the black badge. Each year the puzzle got harder and I got better at solving puzzles. Did my crypto skills improve? Maybe but really it's the mentality that improved. Don't give up, try everything, and trust your instincts. See you at the con Lost.
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