Presentation Material
Abstract
How do security communities help the information security industry and professionals? Why does the security industry need open security communities and forums? The relevance of such communities in standardizing Vulnerability disclosures Building frameworks and tools etc.
AI Generated Summary
The panel discussion centered on the symbiotic relationship between the hacker and security communities and the broader cybersecurity industry, examining historical contributions, evolving dynamics, and future challenges.
Key findings highlighted the industry’s primary benefits from community engagement: access to a global talent pool for recruitment, exposure to cutting-edge research, and opportunities for collaborative learning. The community’s evolution was noted, with social media and digital platforms lowering barriers to entry and networking, though a persistent “old guard” mentality sometimes hindered knowledge sharing. The COVID-19 pandemic forcibly transitioned major conferences to virtual and hybrid formats, which increased global accessibility but introduced significant challenges, including speaker and attendee fatigue, a perceived decline in submission quality and originality, and the loss of serendipitous, in-person interactions critical for mentorship and spontaneous collaboration. A significant portion of the discussion addressed the contested terminology of “hacker,” with panelists advocating for reclaiming the term from its media-vilified association with crime, redefining it as a mindset of curiosity and constructive system improvement. They noted a gradual shift in industry and public perception, though regional disparities in acceptance remain.
Practical implications include the need for the industry to provide sustained, localized support—particularly financial and logistical—to emerging conferences in regions like Southeast Asia, moving beyond reliance on North American sponsors. Conference organizers must innovate hybrid models to maintain engagement and demonstrate clear value to sponsors amidst “conference fatigue.” For the community, actively mentoring newcomers and creating platforms for less-polished, early-stage research are vital for sustaining innovation. The panel collectively stressed that the long-term health of cybersecurity depends on nurturing this community-industry feedback loop, preserving the “hacker” ethos of open inquiry, and adapting event formats to a post-pandemic world.