Things Are Looking Up for Women at DEFCON, But Problems Still Linger

By Cynthia Brumfield, <Meta>curity

August 9, 2016 (Las Vegas, NV) The annual gathering of the world’s top hackers, DEF CON, was a double-sided coin when it came to gender issues at the majority male event. At its best, this year’s DEF CON attracted more women, and more women appeared as contestants at DEF CON or DEF CON-related challenges, than ever before, according to many attendees. Jennifer Steffens, CEO of cybersecurity solutions provider IOActive, said that this year’s DEF CON was “one of the most inclusive events” for women she has attended in her many years of attendance. “Even men are calling it out.”