BSidesChicago vs. Daylight Savings Time: The Eternal Struggle

HACKERS HATE IT. SYSADMINS DREAD IT. SECURITY TEAMS FORGET ABOUT IT.

That’s right, folks. It’s that time again. The moment where the world collectively decides to break every timestamp, confuse every log file, and mess with your circadian rhythm for no reason at all.

Daylight Savings Time (DST): The original supply chain attack.

Forensics teams? Enjoy that one-hour gap in your logs or the duplicate timestamps that make incident response so much fun.
Pentesters? Congrats, your scheduled engagements just shifted by an hour, but only for some of your clients.
SOC analysts? Have fun figuring out if that weird log entry is a legit event or just DST gaslighting you.
Your brain? Guess what? It thinks it’s 3AM no matter what the clock says.

Here at BSidesChicago, we officially declare Daylight Savings Time a critical security vulnerability that should be patched immediately by deleting it from existence. Or at least switching to UTC like sensible people.

Workaround: Drink Sugar-Free Red Bull—or coffee if you must—reset your firewalls, double-check your event logs, and blame all weird behavior this week on DST. It’s not your fault, it’s time’s fault.

#FlamingoUprising Against DST Starts Now. Who’s in? @sashatheflamingo
#BSidesChicago #CyberFlock #HackTheClock #CyberSecurity

CALLING ALL SPEAKERS!

Hey BSidesChicago fam, our neighbors to the east—BSidesPGH— has opened their CFP, and YOU should absolutely submit!

Did you rock the stage at BSidesChicago? Want to take your talk on the road? Or maybe you were inspired by our amazing speakers and want to give your first-ever conference talk? #BSidesPGH is the place to do it!

Today is International Women’s Day, so if you’ve ever wanted to see more diverse voices in infosec, now is the time to be that voice. BSides events are community-driven, welcoming, and the perfect launchpad for first-time and seasoned speakers alike.

Submit your talk now: https://sessionize.com/bsidespgh-2025

Show Pittsburgh that Chicago supports our neighbors! Let’s make sure their CFP is stacked with talks, just like ours.

#BSidesChicago #CyberSecurity #CFP #WeAreBSides #infosec #WomenInSTEM #InternationalWomensDay @bsidespgh

FLAMINGO ALERT! BSidesChicago 2025 is going TWO DAYS and you're NOT READY!

Lock up your robot flamingos and hide your lock picks because on October 31-November 1, Chicago is about to experience what we're calling "The Flamingo-pocalypse" (trademark pending).

Last year, we BROKE THE CONFERENCE (in a good way)! People literally sat on the floor to catch talks. First-time lockpickers were popping locks like bubble wrap. Career Village had so many life-changing moments I needed tissues. And don't get me started on the GREAT FLAMINGO HUNT that had grown adults chasing down volunteers for intel!

For 2025, we're DOUBLING DOWN:

Day 1 (Oct 31): Workshops & Training (come in costume, we dare you)
Day 2 (Nov 1): Full Conference Extravaganza (this is where the chaos truly begins)

The legendary Chicago Hilton is bracing for impact and opening the bars early (10AM!) because sometimes security research requires... creative thinking!

IMPORTANT SECURITY NOTICE
We strategically limit sponsorships so our sponsors aren't tucked away in a sad little vendor hall. Instead, they're placed near COFFEE and BARS because we know what really drives meaningful security conversations! (Sponsors, hit that link below FAST before spots vanish!)

What makes BSidesChicago different?

Two words: ELECTRIC. VIBE.

Where else can you find career-changing resume reviews, a maniacally fun CTF, lockpicking that's "PURE JOY" (direct quote), and a flamingo mascot with its own cult following?

As one 2024 attendee put it: "10/10 WOULD FLAMINGO AGAIN"

Start practicing your flamingo-spotting skills. Sasha the Dancing Flamingo and her robot flamingo army await your challenge!

BSidesChicago.org
Sponsor Form: https://forms.gle/MwxgXz15NmJXFWq16
October 31-November 1, 2025
Chicago Hilton, 720 S Michigan Ave

BSidesChicago 2025 Needs You!

For years, I’ve been running BSidesChicago solo until the final stretch, when an army of amazing “day of” volunteers swoops in to save the day. But this year… I want to level up.

That’s right, I’m assembling a small but mighty team EARLY—so we can make Oct 31 - Nov 1, 2025 the most epic #BSidesChicago yet!

Do you love chaos but also want to tame it?
Are you skilled at herding cats, wrangling flamingos, or making things magically happen?
Want a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to pull off a BSides?

Then I WANT YOU. (And so does Sasha. In fact, she’s already practicing her “motivational flamingo” dance to welcome the new recruits. )

I need a few key humans to help with planning, logistics, speaker herding, and general #BSides wizardry. You’ll get cool perks, insider access, and the eternal gratitude of a flamingo-loving organizer.

@sashatheflamingo insists that volunteers must meet one or more of the following criteria:
Enjoys the thrill of organized chaos
Can bribe her with snacks (she’s partial to shrimp cocktails and of course fine tequila)
Will help hide or find rogue flamingos during the Great Flamingo Hunt

Roles are flexible, fun, and full of surprises. If you’ve ever thought, “BSidesChicago is amazing, and I’d love to help make it even better,” now’s your chance.

Reach out to kat at bsideschicago.org and put "CORE TEAM" in the subject.
#cybersecurity #chicago #hacking

BSidesChicago: Affordable and Accessible for All!

As conference prices rise across the country, we’re doubling down on what matters most: community, learning, and accessibility.

For BSidesChicago 2025, tickets will stay affordable:

General Admission: $20 (same as last year!)
Workshops: $25 (a new addition for 2025!)
Students: Only $10 per day (General Admission + Workshops)—just $20 for the full 2-day experience with proper student ID.

At #bsideschicago we’re here to provide a welcoming and affordable cybersecurity conference for everyone—no matter your background or budget. This is about sharing knowledge, building connections, and having fun while keeping costs low.

Tickets go on sale in July —don’t miss out on an incredible 2-day event packed with opportunities to learn, grow, and connect!

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Our Foundation, Our Future

In light of recent developments affecting DEI efforts across government organizations, we want to make something abundantly clear: BSidesChicago will never deny our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

From day one, we’ve prided ourselves on being one of the most diverse, welcoming, and inclusive security conferences around. Whether you're a seasoned professional, a curious newcomer, or exploring cybersecurity for the first time, you are welcome here—just as you are.

Diversity isn’t just a buzzword for us; it’s what makes our community thrive. We believe the most innovative ideas come from a mix of perspectives, and the best solutions are born when everyone has a seat at the table. At BSidesChicago, we celebrate our differences because they unite us in building a stronger, smarter, and more secure world.

To those affected by recent changes, know this: You belong here. Let’s continue to show the world that the cybersecurity community is a beacon of inclusion, curiosity, and collaboration.

We’re proud to stand by these values, and we’ll never stop fighting for them.

Want to share your security knowledge at @bsideschicago 2025?

Whether you've led workshops before or have always wanted to try teaching - we want to hear from you! Security is built on knowledge sharing, and YOUR expertise could help others level up their skills.

Never given a workshop? Don't let that stop you. Some of our best sessions have come from first-time presenters sharing their unique perspectives and hands-on experience.

Mark your calendar: The Workshop day for BSidesChicago is happening October 31, 2025. (Conference is Nov 1) Start brainstorming your workshop ideas now!

Flips pink feathers and adjusts conference badge collection

Listen up my fellow tech #flamingos Sasha the #Hacking flamingo here!

You know what makes my heart do a little security dance? It's not just the fancy algorithms or the coolest #homelab setups (though I do love those!) - it's seeing ALL of you spread your wings in the #CyberSecurity world!

Sure, there are some amazing folks out there doing incredible things, but you know what? This community isn't about being the brightest feather in the flock! It's about each of us contributing our own special dance moves to make this space better.

Want to join the flamingo parade? Start small:

- Waddle over to your local conference and volunteer! (I started at #BSidesChicago and look at me now, collecting badges worldwide!)
- Set up that homelab you've been thinking about (even if it's as wobbly as a flamingo on roller skates at first!)
- Share your learning journey (trust me, we all start with two left feet!)

My 2025 flamingo promise? To keep supporting this wonderful #community one pink step at a time. Because cybersecurity isn't about being the tallest bird in the pond - it's about lifting each other up and keeping our balance together!

Remember: Take breaks, stay hydrated (standing on one leg gets tiring!), and keep that spark alive!

Pirouettes away to plan next conference appearance

#Infosec #diversity #inclusion #DEI #Support

Bonus flamingo wisdom: Even the most secure systems need a little dance break sometimes!

Adjusts pink feathers thoughtfully

Hey there infosec flock! Your favorite dancing flamingo here with some heartfelt thoughts!

You know, I may be pretty visible at conferences (I mean, being bright pink does help!), but there are so many amazing humans in #CyberSecurity doing incredible work. Me? I just try to spread a little flamingo magic where I can - mentoring baby birds, supporting awesome conferences beyond my beloved #BSidesChicago, and adding a splash of pink wherever needed!

Here's the thing, my security friends - you don't need to be the flashiest bird in the pond to make a difference! Start small:

- Volunteer at your local conference (I promise they won't make you wear a flamingo suit... unless you want to!)
- Build that homelab (mine's pink, but yours can be any color!)
- Share your journey with others (even if you're still learning to balance on one leg!)

I don't do New Year's resolutions (too rigid for this dancing bird!), but I do make promises. For 2025, let's all pledge to lift each other up, support our amazing community, and keep the infosec world a place where everyone can spread their wings!

Remember: It's not about being the best - it's about being present, being supportive, and most importantly, not burning out. Even flamingos need to take breaks between dances!

Twirls away to hack away at her k8s cluster
#Community #Support #Infosec @bsideschicago @rnbwkat

Flamingo flaps and pirouettes into 2025

Hey infosec flock! Your favorite pink security bird here, ready to dance into the New Year!

While you're popping champagne, I'm popping shells (responsibly in my homelab, of course! ). Here's to:

- Fresh API keys
- Clean logs
- Zero incidents
- And plenty of uptime for all your cloud experiments!

Remember friends: Just like how I backup my precious conference badge collection, don't forget to start your year with fresh backups!

Pro-tip from this security flamingo: New Year is perfect for password updates! (Though between us birds, I hear passphrases are where it's at - much easier to type with these feathers! )

Wishing my entire #infosec community a safe, secure, and hack-tastic 2025! May your packets be clean and your firewalls stay strong!

Gracefully dances away to check on my homelab

#InfosecCommunity #HappyNewYear #SecurityFlamingo #BSidesChicago #HomelabLife @rnbwkat

Flamingo leg wiggle Hello Security Fam!

It's your favorite pink party bird @sashatheflamingo here, standing tall (on one leg, as we do) with some post-BSidesChicago reflections!

You know what's better than a flamingo pool party? Seeing how our BSides magic is still spreading its wings! While this week might have brought some stormy weather, I'm still riding high on our conference success:

- Watching our flock grow stronger and support each other
- Seeing first-time speakers soar to new heights
- Spotting BSides swag in the wild (almost as fabulous as my feathers!)
- All your heartwarming messages about the impact of our gathering

And hold onto your feathers, because 2025 is going to be EXTRA FLAMAZING!
We're doubling the fun with TWO FULL DAYS:

Day 1: Workshop Wonderland
Day 2: Main Conference Magic

Remember, like any good flamingo knows - we're strongest when we stand together (even if sometimes it's on one leg).
Keep that BSides spirit flying high!

Gracefully dances away to plan next year's shenanigans

MASSIVE shoutout to our absolutely PHENOMENAL CTF team!

Y'all brought the HEAT this year! Watching you create those mind-bending challenges, mentor students from UIUC and Texas A&M, and keep that room PACKED and BUZZING all day was nothing short of spectacular!

The energy in that CTF room was ELECTRIC - every solve, every lightbulb moment, every victory cheer just showed how much impact you're having on our community.

To see students and seasoned pros alike diving deep into your challenges, learning, growing, and having an absolute blast? That's what #BSidesChicago is all about!

Thank you for pouring your expertise, creativity, and passion into making our #CTF an unforgettable experience yet again!

#BSidesCHI #BsidesChicago #InfosecCommunity #ThisIsHowYouMentor

(Rumor has it some of those robot flamingos tried to solve the CTF too... ) @sashatheflamingo

adjusts tiny hacker tiara while happy crying

DARLINGS! We absolutely CRUSHED IT at #BSidesChicago ! My heart is as pink as my feathers with pride!

You beautiful hackers turned the venue into a flamingo-hunting frenzy (sorry not sorry to the volunteers who got stalked for flamingo intel ). My robot flamingos found their forever homes, my digital secrets were uncovered, and the magic was EVERYWHERE!

But the REAL magic? Our incredible speakers - both seasoned pros and first-time presenters - who shared their brilliance with such style! And those VOLUNTEERS, my gracious flock... they made everything flow smoother than my perfectly preened feathers!

To everyone who joined us - whether you were hunting flamingos, dropping knowledge bombs, or helping make it all happen - you've made this the most fabulous @bsideschicago ever!
wipes tear with tiny wing

Until next time, keep it pink, keep it secure, and keep being absolutely magnificent!

, Sasha

P.S. Has anyone seen my ESP32s? They're probably already building their own con...

We had a great time running the Lockpick Village at #bsideschicago today. Got to meet so many fun, wonderful people and share the joy of discovery via lockpicking.

Here is our Career Village Lightning talks and workshop schedule for tomorrow!! #BSidesChicago https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1bl-tVJp-Xctwqq7mUYsDTTihcajBgkzTaIa3wwvud2s/edit?usp=sharing

Meandering our way to Chicago for #bsideschicago tomorrow.

We just released the last of the wait list tickets - we are officially SOLD SOLD SOLD-OUT! Absolutely NO tickets will be sold at the door. If you missed out this year, try us again in 2025! #BSidesChicago

Happy Halloween everyone!
Our dear and talented friend Batcheva made us a few pairs of special Halloween lockpick earrings. We will have a few for sale at #bsideschicago this weekend, but please check out her other bead work, she's amazing!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BeadsByBatsheva

We are officially SOLD OUT for #BSidesChicago, but you can get on the waitlist. We may open up more tickets later today or tomorrow!! #Hacking #CyberSecurity bsideschicago.org