Making Big Things Better - The Dead Cow Way

Explore the 35-year history and impact of the Cult of the Dead Cow (cDc) hacking group in this Black Hat conference talk. Join key figures Mudge Zatko, Chris Rioux, and Deth Vegetable as they discuss cDc's evolution from teenage misfits to industry leaders, their significant contributions to the hacking world, and enduring lessons for aspiring hackers aiming to make a difference. Delve into topics such as binary analysis, code reviews, hacktivism, media influence, surveillance, onion routing, and civil liberties. Discover how cDc has impacted both government and non-government sectors, and learn about initiatives like Cyber Fast Track and efforts to improve government cybersecurity processes. Gain insights into the group's involvement with notable figures like Julian Assange and Jake Tapper, as well as their connections to other hacking communities such as the Chaos Computer Club. Understand the lasting legacy of cDc and its role in shaping the modern hacking landscape, as discussed by industry experts and questioned by Joseph Menn, author of "Cult of the Dead Cow: How the Original Hacking Supergroup Might Just Save the World."