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ChicagoCon is a bi-annual security event with 2 distinct components, training (prices vary) and a conference (Only $100), both of which have a focus on Ethical Hacking. Ethical Hacking is defined as using the same tools and techniques as the bad guys in order to protect your own systems and corporate assets. So this is definitely a white hat event. And without an exhibit hall full of vultures, the attendees are free to learn from the pros and network with peers to advance their practical knowledge and ultimately their careers. This is a small con with a max of about 300 attendees, but they bring in some big names.

The first ChicagoCon was in the Fall of 2007 and was created by Don Donzal, the Editor-In-Chief of The Ethical Hacker Network (EH-Net), a free online magazine for security professionals.

The naming convention used for the event is a little strange, but once you get used to it, it makes sense. Since it was started in 2007, there was only one. The organizers plan to have this twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall. So 2008 saw 2 events, 2008s for spring and 2008f for fall. Apparently, the trend continues as the next one is 2009s which takes place May 4 - 9, 2009. All of the audio recordings and slide decks from previous events are freely available in the ChicagoCon Media Lab.

Probably the most intiguing new addition to the 2009s event is their own training. The Organizer recruited Chris Nickerson of TruTV's Tiger Team and Mike Murray to develop and teach the Social Engineering Master Class. This is a 5 day course on SE Pen Testing, not just a seminar on some mind games.

Details for 2009s:

Security Training May 4 - 8, 2009:

Boot camp-style training with computers, courseware, and most meals for a turn-key educational experience. Even the exams are proctored on-site. In addition to the SE Master Class, ChicagoCon 2009s offers popular certification courses by Training Camp including CISSP, CEH, CHFI and Fundamentals with Network & Security. The advanced technical hacking courses are being provided by Chicago's own InfoSec Institute and include Expert Pen Testing, Reverse Engineering and Web App Hacking.

Every course includes a free ticket to the Ethical Hacking Conference. Click here for Training Details and Registration.

Ethical Hacking Conference May 8 - 9, 2009:

- Keynotes by Raffael Marty, Chief Security Strategist for Splunk and Dr. Marc Rogers, Director of the Cyber Forensics Program at Purdue University, Dept of CIT.

- Technical Presentations featuring Chris Gates, Craig Heffner, Darren Kitchen, Ryan Linn, Mike Murray, Chris Nickerson, Tim Rosenberg, Andrew Whitaker, and more.

- Pizza Party on Friday and lunch on Saturday

- Capture the Flag with White Wolf Security

- "The Doctor Is In" Career Counseling

- Lock Picking 101

- Evening Entertainment (Announced at the event)

- What's a con without swag!!

Conference Only Tickets are available for just $100. Click here for Conference Details and Registration.

Rumor has it that the 2009f IE Fall 2009 event may be a virtual event due to the economy.