Thinking about OpSec while visiting for DEFCON (33)

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So I am thinking about going to DEFCON 33 (for fun, mostly I am not awesome enough for a talk :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes:).

I wonder if there is a better way forward more than:

  • Bring minimal burner gadgets.
    • Secondary Graphene OS phone (my old 6A)
    • Old laptop. There are sellers of second hand ThinkPad laptops in near us
    • I am thinking of alternatives:
      • a Raspberry Pi + portable HDMI display
      • Graphene OS phone + USB-C dock to enable HDMI, keyboard and mouse
  • I want to take good pictures. Is it a good idea to bring a proper digital camera (Thinking of a Sony mirrorless camera)? I will not connect it to anything while at Las Vegas. Honestly I do not want to fiddle with it, just a simple point and shoot to capture moments. I might go around Vegas as a tourist as well.
    • The alternative is to just use the Pixel’s 6A camera. It wont be great but it wont cost extra weight.
  • Bring an RFID jammer like a Vaultcard to protect wallet. I will probably put the wallet inside my clothes to prevent pickpockets.
    • An alternative in mind is a Faraday bag, maybe from SLNT. Protect more things like passports.
  • Is it too crazy to bring a FLIR USB-C camera? Just in case some shady hotel personnel put a hidden camera for blackmail purposes?
  • I am going to hide/cover the identifiers in my luggage.
  • I will pay for in credit card for everything ahead of time. I think everyone arriving in the McCarran airport will be on a list anyway. No way I can hide my identity in airports and immigration.

Did I miss something? Have you guys been to DEFCON before?

Does anyone even want to meet at DEFCON :laughing:

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No, your hotel room will be accessed Vegas - Where Thugs Come Into Your Room And Search Your Stuff.

I suggest searching through r/Defcon subreddit for tips, there are many. Also DEFCON is known to be full of Feds, just a FYI.

Please be aware that if you engage in illegal activities there is a large contingency of feds that attend DEF CON

Enjoy!

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Overkill setup for an overhyped conference.
Just use a GOS phone and 5G plan, tether your devices to it and don’t touch public WiFi.
Use small cash whenever possible, then if you get drunk / high you don’t lose your card or IDs.

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Pair your phones with the auditor app and bring your secondary Pixel 6a to the conference. Keep it in airplane mode while not in use and be aware of shoulder surfing. Once you leave, reboot the phone and audit it when you are able to. I would use something similar to a fanny pack to keep valuables. I would always be cautious of hidden cameras in every hotel.