World’s biggest hacker fest spotlights AI’s soaring importance in the high-stakes cybersecurity war – and its vulnerability

Two high-stakes competitions at Def Con spotlighted large language models (LLMs) as both an essential tool to protect software from hackers as well as an important target for ‘ethical’ (as in, non-criminal) hackers to explore vulnerabilities. — Fortune.com/The New York Times

In the hunt for software bugs that could leave the door open to criminal hacks, the Def Con security conference, the largest annual gathering for “ethical” hackers, reigns supreme.

The event, which took place in Las Vegas over the weekend, is known for presentations of cutting-edge security research, though it often feels more like a rave than a professional gathering. It features thumping electronic dance music from DJs, karaoke, and “dunk-a-Fed” pool parties (where government officials get soaked).