DEF CON

The DEF CON Origin Story

In its inception back in 1993, DEF CON began as an idea for a party exclusively for members of “Platinum Net,” a hacking network rooted in the Fido protocol and hailing from Canada. At the time, I, the main U.S. hub, was collaborating with the Platinum Net organizer (whose name escapes me) to organize a closing celebration for all the member BBS systems and their user base. The network was slated for shutdown as its founder’s father had taken a new job that required them to relocate. We were discussing possible venues for the farewell party when, unexpectedly, he left abruptly and disappeared. I found myself planning a party for a network that had essentially disbanded, except for my U.S. nodes. It was then that I thought, “Why not extend invitations to members of all the other networks connected to my BBS (known as A Dark Tangent System), including Cyber Crime International (CCI), Hit Net, Tired of Protection (ToP), and around eight others whose names elude me now?” The idea of inviting everyone on #hack seemed like a brilliant plan!

The Origin of the Name

The origins of the name “DEF CON” draw from a blend of sources. Unlike events like SummerCon, HoHoCon, or PumpCon, which were associated with specific seasons or holidays, I wanted DEF CON to be timeless. For those versed in phreaking or heavy phone usage, the significance of “DEF” as #3 on the telephone keypad would not go unnoticed. Additionally, for those familiar with military terminology, “DEF CON” is an abbreviation for “Defense Condition.” Given my admiration for the movie War Games, in which the main character, David Lightman, resided in Seattle (my own hometown) and opted to simulate a nuclear strike on Las Vegas with the W.O.P.R. computer, it felt like a fitting choice for a convention set in Las Vegas. Thus, the name DEF CON came together quite organically.