Black Hat USA vs. DEF CON: How do the two leading cybersecurity conferences differ and which one should I attend?

Black Hat USA vs. DEF CON: How do the two leading cybersecurity conferences differ and which one should I attend?

Every August, Las Vegas hosts two of the most influential cybersecurity events in the world: Black Hat USA and DEF CON. While often attended by members of the same community and held back-to-back, each conference stands apart with its unique approach, focus, and culture. For anyone interested in cybersecurity—whether a seasoned professional or a curious newcomer—understanding the key differences between these conferences can help you decide which event best matches your interests and goals.
It’s a malware evasion technique called “Shade BIOS” – and it’s going to rock your world.

It’s a malware evasion technique called “Shade BIOS” – and it’s going to rock your world.

At Black Hat USA 2025, Kazuki Matsuo, a security researcher at FFRI Security, is set to introduce the cybersecurity community to a groundbreaking new technique in attack stealth: “Shade BIOS.” This presentation promises to shed light on how the next wave of UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) malware can evade even the most robust security mechanisms, setting a new bar in the ongoing arms race between attackers and defenders.