Key cybersecurity events for your diary
2023 is shaping up to be another jam-packed year for bug bounty and cybersecurity events. But with so many on the roster, it’s tricky to know which to attend.
We’ve rounded up the biggest and best cybersecurity conferences and hacker-focused bug bounty events in 2023. With some dates in the second half of the year still awaiting confirmation, we’ve primarily stuck with the first half of 2023 for now, but be sure to check back later in the year for the second half.
Infosec conferences
The following cybersecurity events are large-scale information security conferences that tend to offer all kinds of exhibitions, keynote speeches, and workshops. Excellent as networking opportunities and knowledge sharing alike, these events are suited to anyone with an interest in cybersecurity.
CyberSecPhil Conference | January 11-12 | Makati, Philippines
Aligned with the ‘Cybersecurity in the Age of Digital Transformation’, this event is one of the most important cyber meetups in the Asia region. As well as the typical networking and supplier showcasing, this year’s talks will include topics such as ‘Adopting a Zero Trust to Cloud Security’, ‘Privileged and Identity Access Management’, and ‘IoT and Machine Learning’, as well as several topics around security in the financial industry. Read more
Cloud and Cyber Security Expo | March 8-9 | London, UK
This event is part of the wider umbrella of events known as ‘Tech Show London’, an award-winning showcase that attracts thousands of exhibitors and attendees alike. This year’s event will focus on themes such as zero trust, the future of cybersecurity, threat detection and response and skills, and talent and culture. Read more
CyberUK | April 19-21 | Belfast, UK
CyberUK is hosted by GCHQ, the UK government’s intelligence and cybersecurity agency. Last year’s event featured more than 140 organizations and suppliers, along with plenty of content on through their virtual event portal. This event tends to have an emphasis on national and international security matters. Read more
RSA Conference | April 24-27 | San Francisco, US
Going with the theme ‘Stronger Together’ in 2023, RSA is one of the most significant US cybersecurity events this year, hosting a wide array of different keynotes, hands-on activities, and networking opportunities. Read more
National Cybersecurity Show | April 25-27 | Birmingham, UK
Leading with a tagline of “With one small business in the UK successfully hacked every 19 seconds, gain a better understanding of the threats and review the testing and software solutions that can protect your business”, the National Cybersecurity Show will hold conferences, workshops, networking, and exhibitions. Read more
Black Hat Asia | May 9-12 | Singapore
Black Hat is one of the best-known names in cybersecurity events, with the UBM brand hosting various infosec conferences every year. The first of their key conferences in 2023 will be the Asia region rendition, Black Hat Asia, held in Singapore in May. Read more
FIRST Conference | June 4-9 | Montreal, Canada
FIRST is an international non-profit organization comprising 600 security response teams from 100 nations. Their conference provides a forum through which security pros can share ideas to improve global computer safety. Read more
Infosecurity Europe | June 20-22 | London, UK
Infosecurity Europe has everything a cybersecurity event can offer. Last year saw some huge industry names take the stage, such as the former head of MI5 and the director of UK Strategic Command. If you’re based in the UK, this is not one to miss. Read more
READ MORE Top cybersecurity trends for 2023
Hacker events
The following cybersecurity events are tailored more towards hackers and hacking culture. As well as holding keynotes and presentations, these events also feature competitions and workshops, where security researchers and enthusiasts can learn new skills.
OWASP Global AppSec | February 13-16 | Dublin, Ireland
OWASP events are perfect for learning and meeting with other technically-minded security professionals. Several OWASP conferences take place in 2023. The first one will be held in Dublin, with a two-day training course happening before the core event. Read more
Offensivecon | May 19-20 | Berlin, Germany
With the focus on “offensive security only”, this event brings the hacking community together for talks and workshops on topics including vulnerability discovery and advanced exploitation techniques. Prior to the main event days, they offer technical training days for those looking to improve their skills. Read more
Nullcon | March 6-8 | Berlin, Germany
Nullcon came out of Null, the Open Security Community. This is a registered non-profit and the largest active security community in India. Nullcon provides an open exchange for both offensive and defensive security techniques. Read more
Hack in the Box Security Conference | April 17-21 | Amsterdam, Netherlands
The first of the Hack in the Box conferences will be held in Amsterdam, with other dates in different locations set to be announced later in the year. Their talks cover deeply technical topics in security, as well as training workshops. Read more
SteelCon | July 7-9 | Sheffield, UK
Back after a two-year hiatus, SteelCon is one of the few dedicated hacker events for the north of England. Read more
DEF CON 31 | August 10-13 | Las Vegas, US
DEF CON is a favorite among hackers, with the 2023 theme framed with the phrase, “We are living through a revolt against the future. The future will prevail.” Staying ahead of the latest threats is key, and this event will no doubt be a great place to understand the threats the future holds. Read more
Hack in Paris | Sept 25-29 | Paris, France
Hack in Paris is a steadily growing event and an excellent opportunity for hackers in France to grow and improve their skills. Read more