Online data theft, leaks caused by intrusions, and attacks against software are among the biggest fears of companies that use any kind of technology in their practice. Protecting confidential information is a top priority for various companies for multiple reasons: the increasing number of users, devices and programs enables qualified people to access data that was not made available to them for a reason. Abuse of sensitive information does not only affect the cyber world but can heavily influence our daily lives as well, so much so that lives depend on it.

What is the purpose of an IT security conference?

Recognizing the importance of the issue, there are many articles, courses and events organized to teach the crowds about possible dangers. Hacktivity is the largest cybersecurity conference in Central and Eastern Europe, organized since 2003. The original purpose was to connect like minded people in tech, and provide them with an open platform to share their experiences. In its 17 years of existence it has outgrown its initiative, and hosts multiple world-famous speakers, innovative workshops sponsored and recognized by brands such as Deloitte, Morgan Stanley, PwC and KPMG. Hacktivity is not only a space to discuss anymore- it now has a goal to encourage people to use knowledge for good, to urge people to participate in the change and to remain curious. The 2021 conference fulfilled all expectations.

What we listened to this year?

The topics this October listed Vulnerability of mobile devices, Hardware hacking, Database security and privacy and browser-based attacks among others. The presentations were quite a short exemplification of various topics, held by recognized professionals of the tech industry. Leaders like Bence Horváth, Cybersecurity Executive of EY, Jose Garduño, Senior Security Consultant of Dreamlab Technologies and Chloé Messdaghi, Co-founder of Hacking is NOT a Crime & We Open Tech was among the speakers. The venue, MOM Cultural Center, supported the event with multiple halls and rooms for the maximum comfort of the participants and the proper representation of all discussions, however, online participation was an option too for the homebodies.

Our favorite speaker, Tobias Schrödel prepared a presentation about Open Source Intelligence. A well-known computer magazine once wrote that Tobias Schrödel is the “first IT-comedian”. As always, he explained technical vulnerabilities and correlations in a way everybody can understand, while keeping the whole crowd entertained. As a qualified IT specialist, Tobias worked many years as a consultant for one of the biggest worldwide IT- and telecommunications corporations. With such experience behind his back, he is well aware of the importance of information security. His presentation took us through a real investigation case after a scammer, explicitly using the technology available for anyone on the internet. By the end of the 20 minute-long show, the audience was left amazed at how tiny pieces of information can be used to track down people. Tobias closed his speech with one of the most important remarks of the conference, saying “Use all this for good”, highlighting the importance and the benefits of ethical hacking.

Why every recruiter should visit tech events?

Besides the presentations, workshops and intensive, multi-day trainings prior to the event, there were other opportunities to broaden one’s knowledge and gain new perspectives. Sponsor desks and lounge areas were perfect opportunities for meaningful interaction.

From a recruiter’s perspective, conferences like Hacktivity are a hot pot of knowledgeable individuals interested in current topics and learning opportunities, qualities that many add to their CVs but only a few mean. Networking with experts, ( whether they are possible future candidates, or not) is great since recruiters can broaden their knowledge of the industry, which is the key to credibility. These events are an opportunity for companies to and be more present in the minds of professionals. Gaining valuable insights on current market trends from employees’ perspectives is also a great benefit. Based on the feedback, sponsors are all satisfied and many are returning partners of the event.

The popularity and recognition of the event are growing year by year. We were grateful to the Hacktivity team for welcoming us to the conference, our experiences were nothing but positive, and we already can’t wait for next year’s sessions!