Category Archives: Conference

Artificially Intelligent CISOs on the Blockchain: How Technical Should a CISO Be?

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RSA 2020 was the last conference that two of our sole founders attended in person. This was in line with the HU corporate policy of not allowing all three sole founders to travel to the same place at the same time.

At this glorious event, Thom Langford and Javvad Malik moderated a discussion session entitled, Artificially Intelligent CISOs on the Blockchain: How Technical Should a CISO Be?.

Many esteemed security professionals attended, and our corporate mailbox exceeded its quota following all the positive feedback.

Undoubtedly the absolute best session I co-moderated at RSA2020

Thom Langford

We here at HU have a policy to liberate knowledge. So after months of poking, prodding, bribing, threatening and begging, our sole founders took all that they learnt from that session, including the hours upon hours of research they conducted in the lead up – and distilled it all into this one document for your reading pleasure. Answering once and for all the question, how technical does a CISO actually need to be?

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The Host Unknown Vegas Party

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Host Unknown sole founder Javvad Malik was accompanied by fellow sole founder Thom Langford in Las Vegas for what many affectionately refer to as ‘hacker summer camp’ which consists of three major events, Bsides LV, Blackhat, and DefCon.

We were proud to be a super donor for BSidesLV – and are glad that our credit card company hasn’t sent bailiffs around to confiscate office equipment yet.

But in order to really make it in Vegas, you have to really stand out and do something spectacular. And while other vendors are usually in the business of throwing lavish parties in loud environments filled with liquor. Host Unknown knows that the best party is one where you can have a conversation, and invite only people who work for vendors, or have a corporate card and then thank them publicly for being a generous sponsor.

We must admit, it was probably the best party in town,

“The Host Unknown party was the best party in town” – Javvad Malik

This comment was reiterated by another random person we asked.

“I concur with this gentleman, this was by far the best party in town” – Thom Langford

After all that partying, you’d imagine Host Unknown would be running on empty. But no, these sole founders are deceptively resilient. Jayson Street made a point to find them at DefCon and requested an awkward hug.

Finally, before departing, the gents got a taste of some good old American Freedom!

Stay tuned for more awesome Unknown Parties coming to a security event to you soon. Time and venues are kept secret till last minute to keep numbers down, so prepare for disappointment if you can’t make it, and even more disappointment if you do make it.

Host Unknown, still supports the little people

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Host Unknown, the undisputed leader in information-security based videos made by three random men out of London isn’t one to crave the spotlight.

It is why the group that podcasts, sings, acts, and dances, have been maintaining a low profile over the last year.

But that isn’t to say the group has cut down on it’s behind the scenes philanthropic mission.

A few weeks ago, Host Unknown was proud to sponsor BsidesLondon, providing the attendees with a wonderful selection of lanyards.

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One attendee said,

“This is the best lanyard I’ve ever received at a conference. I’m never taking this off, even when I sleep at night. It’s a symbol of quality right there. If I could ever meet Host Unknown, I’d shake their hand.” – Lom Thangford

Not just content with sponsoring one Bsides, the group also made a sizeable lanyard donation to BSidesAthens.

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The sponsorship clearly had an impact as one attendee said, “As soon as I heard Host Unknown had sponsored Bsides Athens, I booked a ticket and flight over. When Host Unknown puts its name to something, you know it’s the seal of approval.” – Mavvad Jalik.

Not wanting to stop at lanyards, Host Unknown is also proudly supporting SteelCon in Sheffield, agreeing to host the wildly popular quiz night.

One attendee said, “We don’t get many nice things up here in Sheffield, not since my dad got laid off from the mill. But when I heard that Host Unknown were coming up and organising the quiz, it was as if all my Christmases had come at once. I’ll be right at the front hoping to catch the eye of the three men who’ve inspired me to remain strong and follow my dreams.” Agny Andreas

Host Unknown Supports The Little People

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bsides

Host Unknown Proudly Sponsors BSidesLondon

*Press Release*

2nd June 2016

Host Unknown, the undisputed leader in information-security based videos made by three random men based out of London is unwavering in supporting the community.

The trio who podcast, act, sing, and dance have delighted and educated the information security scene for the past several years.

Sole Founder Javvad Malik was on the original committee that founded BSides London explained the rationale behind sponsoring the event that takes place on the 8th of June 2016 at the ILEC Conference Centre in London.

“I’m so proud of what BSides has achieved over the last few years. From the humble beginnings in 2011, I’ve seen it grow almost as fast as Andy’s waistline. But simply delivering awesome talks and being a beacon of coolness doesn’t pay the way for conferences and we felt it was time to give back in a more direct way.”

Sole Founder Andrew Agnês elaborated further, “We looked at everything that is important to make a conference happen. Venue, speakers, crew, tickets, catering, after-parties – the works. I made the executive decision to support the conference in the most meaningful way possible – and that was to supply lanyards and badge ribbons. The real measure of how successful a conference is.”

Sole Founded Thom Langford added, “When you have piles of money and Panama is no longer a viable investment option, you can get bored very quickly. Even after my great grandfather contracted Delirium Tremens, he continued to support his community. I’d like to think he’s proud of me continuing his legacy today.”

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*About Host Unknown*

Host Unknown is an information security educational / entertainment group from London, England. It was the pioneer and most significant popularisers of Infosec-Rap and is widely considered one of the seminal groups (based in London) in the history of information security. The group has endured controversy owing to their lyrics which many security managers viewed as being disrespectful of their trade, as well as its glorification of certifications and risk management. The group was subsequently banned from many IRC and sub-Reddit channels. In spite of this, the group has amassed 50,000 YouTube views.