Cybersecurity communities. Small hacker groups, big impact

 TL;DR

• Cybersecurity communities and groups are an excellent opportunity to network and learn
• There are OWASP, DEF CON, 2600, university hacking societies, Meetup communities and more to choose from
• They provide workshops, talks, and practical learning opportunities benefiting both newcomers and experts
• Participation can support development, skill acquisition, and meaningful networking

Introduction

Cyber community groups are a great way to grow your network, learn, attend workshops, get and provide mentorship, and simply hang out with like minds. The UK has long had thriving grass roots communities with meetups like OWASP, DEF CON, 2600 and more.

The Open Worldwide Application Security Project (OWASP)

OWASP is maybe best known for their top 10, which outlines the most critical risks to web apps. The organisation has global reach, with local chapters providing a space for professionals to meet, collaborate, and share.

There are OWASP chapters across the UK, from Dorset to Edinburgh, with London and Manchester well represented too. There are regular meetups and they’re open to anyone with an interest in web application security.

OWASP Chapters typically appeal to developers, security professionals, and software engineers, as much of their focus is on application security, best practice, and security tooling.

DEF CON annual hacker conventions and DEF CON groups

DEF CON is the world famous Las Vegas hosted annual hacker convention, that sprouted local chapters. called DEF CON groups (DCGs). They provide a way for people to stay connected throughout the year. While they are grassroots, volunteer-run, and operate independently from the main DEF CON event they share the common goal of fostering collaboration in the hacking community.

There are DEF CON groups that meet in UK, best found by scrolling through the DEF CON Groups forum. Meetings are informal, and many DCGs also hold virtual events, especially for global participation. My colleague Dan recently presented at DC151 Leeds.

DEF CON groups are ideal for those who are more inclined toward hacker culture and appreciate a less structured, more exploratory environment. The groups appeal to people with a deep interest in the broader scope of cybersecurity, from ethical hacking to digital privacy, and are excellent for anyone wanting to engage with more technical, hands-on activities.

2600 group meetings

2600 magazine, first published in 1984, has long been a staple of the hacker community. Its name comes from the frequency used by early phone phreakers to manipulate telephone call routing. The iconic publication gave a voice to hackers and tech enthusiasts. 2600 groups meet to discuss hacking, security, and technology.

2600 meetings are held in London, Bournemouth, Cheltenham, Manchester and Bristol, though the groups are less formally structured than other community organizations. They often meet in pubs, with talks and CTFs and Manchester now has a monthly tech related pub quiz.

2600 groups attract a wide range of people, from students and hobbyists to tech enthusiasts and experienced hackers. They’re well-suited for people who want a casual, open space to discuss everything from telecommunications and hardware hacking to cybersecurity and privacy.

University hacking societies

University hacking societies are flourishing. They often run CTFs, hackathons, and security research projects. Examples of hacking societies are University College London (UCL), Leeds Beckett, Manchester University, Sheffield University, University of Lancaster and Abertay University who have their own dedicated hacking societies or clubs. They often partner with industry experts and  organisations to host talks, workshops, and hands-on training.

They are ideal for those looking to develop practical skills, take part in CTFs, and network with potential employers. University hacking societies are also great for people looking to combine technical skills with academic theory and they are always looking for speakers.

Ethical hacking groups using Meetup.com

Ethical hacking groups in the UK have been growing organically, especially with the rise of platforms like Meetup.com, which makes it easy for local groups to organise events and meetups. These groups often focus on niche areas of cybersecurity, such as penetration testing, threat hunting, or network security.

You’ll find ethical hacking groups across the UK, including London, Manchester, Leeds, and Glasgow. Their formats vary, from structured talks and workshops to informal meetups where participants can share tips and learn from each other.

These groups cater to a wide range of people, from those just getting started in cybersecurity to professionals looking to stay up to date.

Conclusion

There are so many benefits of attending and participating in meetups.

There can be great opportunities for personal and professional growth, as well as helping to provide an antidote to remote working. You can build relationships, meet like-minded people, and expand your network. There might even be job opportunities, collaborative projects, and insights into what’s new.

Groups can also help CPD and upskilling through workshops, talks, and hands-on activities as well as providing resources and mentorship. By participating in discussions, attending workshops, or speaking at events, you can gain recognition within the community (if you want), and have a platform from which to give back.