Frequently Asked Questions

About Brucon

What is BruCON?

BruCON is an annual two-day conference in Belgium offering a high quality line up of speakers, opportunities of networking with peers, security challenges and workshops. Organized in Brussels, BruCON is an open-minded gathering of people discussing computer security, privacy, information technology and its cultural/technical implications on society. The conference creates bridges between the various actors active in computer security world, included but not limited to hackers(*), security professionals, security communities, non-profit organizations, CERTs, students, law enforcement agencies, etc....

(*)Hackers are "persons who delight in having an intimate understanding of the internal workings of a system, computers and computer networks in particular." People who engage in illegal activities like unauthorized entry into computer systems are called crackers and don't have anything to do with hacking. BruCON doesn't promote any illegal activities and behavior. Many hackers today are employed by the security industry and test security software and systems to improve the security of our networks and applications. In addition, for the younger generations, we want to create some awareness and interest in IT students to learn more about IT Security.

How did BruCON start?

BruCON is organized by BruCON vzw as a non-profit event. A group of security enthusiasts decided that it was time in Belgium to have its own security and hacker conference. A lot of countries around the world have these kind of conferences to discuss and present research on computer security and related subject matters. We want to unite people who share the same passion and support the Belgian (research) communities, with BruCON as a yearly highlight. We are not professional organizers and started this as a non-profit organization. We all have full time jobs and dedicate a lot of our free time to this project. Everyone is welcome to join us and help!!

When and where is BruCON ?

The help us fund the conference, we are providing some excellent Training courses on 16 & 17 September and the Conference itself is on 18 & 19 September in The Surfhouse.

What are the rules of BruCON ?

There are no rules. But we ask you to refrain from doing anything that might jeopardize the conference or other attendees BruCON crew members are there to answer your questions and help you wherever they can. It is unwise to do any illegal activities as law enforcements officers probably will be present at the event.

What is there to do at BruCON?

BruCON offers a presentation track and some workshop by some very interesting and bright people bringing some of the most recent in security research. The attendees of the conference can help us shape the event. We welcome anyone with some innovative research, a tool or just to present an interesting website to give a lightning talk. If you want to give an additional workshop, please contact us

Will there be hackers at BruCON?

We hope so!!! Many people have different definitions of what is a ‘hacker’. The only one we don't agree with is the mass media definition of 'Hackers' meaning criminals that deface website and break into networks also correctly known as 'crackers'. For us, examples of great hackers are Linus Torvalds, Steve Wozniak or John Draper (Cap'n Crunch).

How can I help or participate?

See Participation

How can I speak at BruCON?

Unfortunately, our Call for Papers ended the 1st of April. If you have an interesting topic, you can still a short summary of it as a lightning talk.

How much is the entrance fee for BruCON

Prices start from 50€ for student and 180€ for normal visitors. See Tickets for details.

BruCON is too expensive, how can I afford it?

We did our best to keep prices as low as possible so everyone could attend. There are lots of ways to cut down costs. Find someone to share a room with, pack your own food for the trip etc... Organize a party to collect some money.

Venue

Is the Surfhouse open 24/24?

No, unfortunately not. Opening hours will be from 07u-22u but this might change in the next weeks.

Accommodation

See here.

Transportation

See here.

Network

Is there a network at BruCON?

We're trying to provide internet access. Primarily it will be a wireless LAN but there will be a limited number of switched ports as well. If you have experience managing wireless LANs, please contact us.

What should I bring?

That depends on what you want to do at the conference. Bringing a laptop, extra batteries and a long UTP cable might be a good idea if you want to attend workshops or other activities.

Food

Will there be food at Brucon?

We are looking for catering that should provide you with sandwiches or small dishes. However, these are not included in the conference price.

What is the perfect remedy against hangovers?

Don't drink too much beer the day before. ;-)

We are promoting some aspects of Belgium like our good Chocolate and fine Beers. Enjoy but use in moderation.

This FAQ didn't answer my questions, or was unclear, how can I get further information?

Please contact us if this FAQ didn't answer your questions.