As the head of security for DEF CON, I’ve seen a lot of articles (and a bit of scaremongering) around the threats at the event. While DEF CON is a technically hostile environment, I promise, it is not a dystopian wasteland. A little common sense goes a LONG way. Here’s your basic guide for how to stay safe: Don’t bring your work devices. Use temporary (often wrongly-called “burner”) devices, without access to sensitive data. Don’t plug anything into your device—or your device into anything. You wouldn’t put your finger into an electrical socket, think of a USB stick as a similar risk. Don’t open strange attachments. In fact, don’t open any attachments. Don’t use wireless networks and only use devices you are willing to sacrifice if you must connect. When in doubt, use LTE or 3G. These still have some risk, but it's smaller. Use caution if something forces you.