S4 - Episode 014 – CYBR.HAK.CON: The L33T DFW Hacker Conference (w/ Michael Farnum & Phillip Wylie)

In this episode, we're diving deep into the evolution of one of the most respected cybersecurity community movements in the country. Michael Farnum, founder of CYBR.SEC.Community and the original force behind HOU.SEC.CON, joins us to talk about the transformation of a beloved Houston-based conference into a multi-city, multi-conference ecosystem designed to empower cybersecurity professionals, enthusiasts, and newcomers alike. With expansion plans already underway, the CYBR.SEC.Community is poised to redefine how regional infosec communities connect, learn, and grow.

We're also joined by Phillip Wylie, a well-known ethical hacker, author, and educator, who will be leading CYBR.HAK.CON — the Dallas/Fort Worth chapter of this new initiative. Together, Michael and Phillip share their vision for what makes a truly impactful cybersecurity event, how they're building inclusive and technically rich experiences, and what attendees can expect from these revamped conferences. From speaker curation to community engagement, they're crafting something that's more than just a series of events — it's a movement.

And of course, we'll have some fun along the way. Expect stories from past conferences, a few laughs about hacker culture, and maybe even a debate over which fictional hacker deserves a keynote slot. Whether you're a seasoned security pro or just curious about the people shaping the future of cyber communities, this episode will give you a front-row seat to the next chapter in grassroots cybersecurity.

Helpful Links:

Here are some helpful and relevant links for your listeners to explore CYBR.SEC.Community, its conferences, and your guests' work. These will give them direct access to events, media, and speaker profiles mentioned in your episode.
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🔗 CYBR.SEC.Community & Conferences
• CYBR.SEC.Community Official Site
https://www.cybrseccon.com
Main hub for the community, including conference info, speaker lineup, merch, and tickets.
• CYBR.SEC.Media
https://www.cybrsecmedia.com
Articles, podcasts, videos, and updates from across the CYBR.SEC ecosystem.
• HOU.SEC.CON Legacy & Current Info
https://www.houstonseccon.com
Historical and current details about the Houston-based conference that started it all.
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🧠 Featured Guests
• Michael Farnum (Founder, CYBR.SEC.Community)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfarnum
• Phillip Wylie (Lead, CYBR.HAK.CON)
Personal Site: https://thehackermaker.com
Podcast: https://phillipwylieshow.transistor.fm
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillipwylie
• CYBR.HAK.CON Announcement Post by Phillip Wylie
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/phillipwylie_im-excited-about-my-partnership-with-houseccon-activity-7379520683552321536-OV83