From September 11 to 13, I had the privilege of attending and speaking at KazHackStan-2024, Central Asia’s largest hacker conference, held in Almaty. This event truly stands out as one of the most speaker-focused and well-organized conferences I’ve experienced. With over 5,000 visitors and more than 30 top speakers from around the world, it was a melting pot of ideas, innovation, and cutting-edge discussions on cybersecurity.
The Atmosphere
From the moment I arrived, the hospitality and attention to detail were apparent. The organizers placed a significant focus on ensuring that both speakers and attendees had an outstanding experience. It was refreshing to see an event that balanced insightful content with creating a welcoming environment for networking and knowledge-sharing. The venue was buzzing with energy, drawing participants from across sectors, including government, business, cybersecurity experts, and newcomers..
Tailored Experiences for Every Attendee
One of the most impressive aspects of KazHackStan-2024 was how it catered to such a diverse range of interests and expertise. Whether you were a business leader, a policy-maker, a hacker, or a blue team defender, the event had something for everyone.
- For the Strategists and Business Minds: If you were someone keen on understanding cybersecurity from a strategic, policy, or business perspective, KazHackStan offered deep insights into government regulations, cybersecurity trends, and organizational processes. This was the place for discussions about regional cybersecurity challenges, policy development, and securing critical infrastructure. Sessions provided actionable advice on how to strengthen cybersecurity frameworks and align business goals with security priorities.
- For the Technical Enthusiasts: For those who thrive on technical details and hands-on experience, there were countless opportunities to delve into the latest vulnerabilities, hacking techniques, and secure development practices. From pure technical deep dives into software vulnerabilities to live demonstrations of the newest attack methods, KazHackStan was a playground for hackers, developers, and security professionals looking to sharpen their skills and stay updated on the latest tools and tactics.
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For the Competitors: And if you were looking for a thrill, the CyberKumbez Hacking Competition was the perfect challenge. This three-day competition brought together over 100 hackers from major companies and government institutions to compete in one of Central Asia’s largest hacking tournaments. The excitement in the room was palpable as teams raced against the clock to solve complex challenges, showcasing their technical prowess and creativity.
For me, KazHackStan-2024 was a unique experience that managed to bring together people from every corner of the cybersecurity world—those focused on the business side, those passionate about the technical aspect, and those who live for the thrill of competition. It was an honor to be a keynote speaker at such a well-rounded, immersive event. The diversity of sessions and participants, combined with the outstanding hospitality, made this one of the most memorable conferences I’ve attended.
KazHackStan-2024 set a high bar, and I’m excited to see where future iterations of this event take us. If you’re looking to broaden your horizons, deepen your technical expertise, or even just be part of an unforgettable cybersecurity community experience, I highly recommend marking this event on your calendar for next year.