What is BSides?

BSides is a community-driven framework for building events for (and by) information security community members. The goal is to expand the spectrum of conversation beyond the traditional confines of space and time. It creates opportunities for individuals to both present and participate in an intimate atmosphere that encourages collaboration. It is an intense event with discussions, demos, and interaction from participants. It is where conversations for the next-big-thing are happening.

Blinky Blink teaching soldering at BSidesCHS

BSides CHS History

BSides Charleston is a 501(c)3 organization that was started in 2012 and has been held in Charleston, SC. Since its existence BSides Charleston has been attracting security professionals from all over the Lowcountry area for this one day event.

Our Mission

BSides acts as a complement to current events by enabling long-tail spectrum events that complement the current or surrounding event. The goal is to foster communication and collaboration while increasing the level of conversation.

Major conferences focus on the current hot topics in information security. BSides events explore the fringe of conversation and focus on the next big thing. The conversations have ranged from hardware hacking to gender issues, from Twitter hacking to proximity-based identity theft. BSides gives voice to the conversation that is happening just below the surface.

Who comes to BSides Charleston?

While each BSides event is unique, we target the industry professional looking to offset or augment their current security skill set with that of the next-big-thing conversations. These are industry leaders, thought leaders, information security professionals, and even students who wish to expand their body of knowledge. People who attend have various backgrounds in different sectors and verticals. Their common goal is to learn about emerging issues and connect with those who are having them.

Unlike other events where the speaker is rushed in and out, BSides provides a small and intimate environment for the attendees to directly engage the speaker before, during, and after their talk or presentation. Attendees are looking for more than just information; they are looking to make connections they will call upon throughout the rest of the year.