DEF CON: Annual hacking convention going on now in Vegas

This week is the 25th iteration of DEF CON, the huge hacking convention held annually in Las Vegas that brings together tens of thousands of cyber security professionals, government intelligence agents, corporate business interests, and of course, hackers.

Generally held in tandem with another hacking conference, Black Hat, DEF CON is a festival of sorts for all things cyber security and hacking, with a four day schedule jam-packed with guest speakers, live music, tech demonstrations, and the opportunity to network with other hackers.

Not wanting to be left in the dark from an exceptional talent pool, federal intelligence agencies like the FBI and NSA have been attending the conference for years in hopes to glean the cutting edge in the hacking community, and attempt to woo hackers and their sense of patriotism or civic duty to join the fight in global cyber security. In 2012, the director of the NSA gave the keynote speech at DEF CON 20, illustrating the value the intelligence community has placed on connecting to this group.