Buffalo, NY – From defending against hidden vulnerabilities in corporate networks to testing the myth that Macs are immune to cyber threats, some of the most pressing issues in cybersecurity will take center stage in Buffalo next month — with a distinctly local twist.
On Saturday, June 6, BSides Buffalo returns to Canisius University with this year’s theme, “We’re Hacking Proud,” a nod to Buffalo’s iconic “Talking Proud” campaign and a reflection of the region’s growing, tight-knit cybersecurity community.
The one-day, grassroots conference will bring together cybersecurity professionals, hobbyists and students in Science Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Organizers expect approximately 400 attendees for what has become one of Western New York’s signature technology events.
Part of a global network founded in 2009, BSides events are community-driven gatherings designed to share knowledge, surface emerging threats and build connections across the cybersecurity field. This year marks the fifth BSides Buffalo conference.
This year’s lineup reflects both the complexity and creativity of modern cybersecurity, with sessions that range from deeply technical to unexpectedly artistic.
Highlights include:
Emerging threats and real-world vulnerabilities: Talks such as “The Walking Dead of AD” examine how overlooked misconfigurations in Active Directory — including legacy permissions and recycled accounts — can quietly reintroduce security risks. Presenters will also debut a new tool integrated with BloodHound to help organizations detect and address these hidden attack paths.
Debunking cybersecurity myths: Sessions like “But… Macs Don’t Get Viruses, Right?” explore the realities of macOS and iOS security, offering a starting point for those looking to understand vulnerabilities within Apple systems.
Creative and unconventional tech applications: In “Vibing – Building an Audio Appliance without Coding,” attendees will see how open-source tools and artificial intelligence can be used to create a sophisticated audio platform — no traditional coding required.
Specialized tracks for all experience levels: The conference features multiple talk tracks, including the popular “Hacking Is Art” sessions at the intersection of technology and creativity, and “Introsec,” designed for those new to cybersecurity or considering a career in the field.
Hands-on learning and competition: Attendees can participate in a Capture the Flag competition, testing their skills across areas such as cryptography, forensics and web security. Interactive activities like soldering workshops and lockpicking offer additional ways to engage.
Career-building opportunities (new this year): For the first time, BSides Buffalo will offer resume workshops and one-on-one review sessions, giving students and job seekers direct feedback from industry professionals and helping them better position themselves for careers in cybersecurity.
Canisius University will also open its state-of-the-art cybersecurity lab for demonstrations. The university is home to Western New York’s only technology-based, master’s-level cybersecurity program, which emphasizes hands-on training in threat detection, risk assessment and secure software development. The university also offers an undergraduate degree in data science, a master’s level program and advanced certificate in data analytics and a master’s level program in business analytics. All three programs (cybersecurity, data analytics and business analytics) will be represented at the BSides Buffalo conference.
Students and job seekers can attend for free by submitting a resume to share with event sponsors. Organizers encourage early registration by May 27 to guarantee a conference T-shirt. The event also includes free lunch and conference swag.
For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Canisius was founded in 1870 in Buffalo, NY, and is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S. Consistently ranked among the top institutions in the Northeast, Canisius offers undergraduate, graduate and pre-professional programs distinguished by close student-faculty collaboration, mentoring and an emphasis on ethical, purpose-driven leadership.
