About Interz0ne

Interz0ne is an annual technology convention held in Atlanta, Georgia. Our focus is on computer security issues that are often poorly covered or ignored entirely by mainstream media; we examine flaws with new and current technologies, as well as fixes for the same. We also cover other interesting developments in areas such as robotics, software-defined radio, amateur astronomy, IP telephony, high-powered rocketry, digital audio and video, wireless technologies and similar fields. [We are hackers in the original non-criminal sense of the word], and anyone is welcome to attend.

Interz0ne hosts several tracks of speakers and panel discussions along with a series of workshops and instructor-driven classes taught by professionals who are recognized experts in their fields. We also provide areas for unstructured, unscheduled or spur of the moment discussions and demonstrations. We create an environment that encourages creative hands-on experimentation, promotes the free exchange of ideas, and triggers the occasional police action or lawsuit. Convention participants are encouraged to bring projects that may be of interest to others, especially if they would like opinions, feedback and possibly assistance.

Unlike other conventions, we at Interz0ne realize that many of the original goals of the hacking community were met years ago. The MA Bell monopoly is long gone; anyone can now access once-secret telecommunications standards and protocols. Cheap and powerful hardware is widespread. Several open operating systems are available, as well as libraries of free software. Fast internet access can be had in most urban and many rural areas at semi-reasonable costs. There are still plenty of bugs to patch, but really, how many more times do you need to see a buffer overflow demonstrated?

As technophiles, we encourage new and liberating uses of technology. As pragmatic realists, we are probably more aware than most of just how easily our toys can be perverted and turned into tools of repression. As patriots, we understand how vital free speech [in the form of the uncensored spread of accurate information, without fear of reprisal] is in order to maintain a healthy democracy. We find it very disturbing many of the new challenges to the hacking community are increasingly of a legal nature, not technical.

A lot of people seem to have problems with free speech these days, especially those in government or big business; it appears to threaten them in some way. Perhaps they fear a loss of power and control to which they assume they are entitled. Maybe they want to protect an outdated business model, revenue stream or crumbling monopoly. Maybe they are hiding critical flaws in a product they are selling. Maybe they have done something wrong and want to cover it up with lies, disinformation and PR spin. Maybe they just want their critics to shut up.

Too bad for them.

We at Interz0ne have no advertisers to worry about pissing off, no products to place and no stockholders to appease. We are not afraid to speak freely and let the chips fall where they may; it's time to shoot the sacred cows and have a chili cookoff. It's time for action.

BYOB.