What is a Security BSides Event?
Security BSides is a global series of community-organized cybersecurity conferences. The name comes from the “B-side” of a record—the place for the tracks that aren’t the commercial hits but are often the most beloved by true fans.
In the same spirit, each BSides event is an open platform for security professionals, researchers, and hobbyists to share their latest ideas, in-depth research, and passion projects in a relaxed, community-driven atmosphere. It’s a place for the conversations happening “in the hallways” of the big corporate conferences.
To learn more about the global movement, visit the official Security BSides website.
Our Local Chapter: BSides Roanoke
BSides Roanoke brings the global, community-driven spirit of BSides to the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Our mission is to create an accessible, inclusive, and engaging event where our local tech community can gather to learn, collaborate, and grow. We are a vendor-neutral conference built by and for the Roanoke area’s cybersecurity professionals, students, and enthusiasts.
Organized by Roanoke Infosec Exchange (RISE)
BSides Roanoke is proudly organized by the Roanoke Infosec Exchange (RISE), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing information security knowledge and practices within our community.
The team behind RISE has a long history of serving the local tech scene, running free monthly meetups since 2015 and launching the first BSides Roanoke conference in 2019. Through the partnership of organizations like MAKE Roanoke, we have been able to build this event into a cornerstone of the local security calendar.
Our vision is to establish Roanoke as a nationally recognized hub for information security excellence by cultivating talent, fostering collaboration, and securing the digital future for our community.
Our Core Values
Everything we do is guided by a few simple but powerful principles:
- Collaboration: We believe everyone’s unique experience and knowledge works best when shared. By sharing knowledge, we help everyone learn, grow, and be secure.
- Stewardship: We are committed to using our skills for good and holding ourselves accountable to our mission.
- Inclusion: We are dedicated to building a welcoming and supportive local community where everyone feels they belong, from seasoned professionals to curious enthusiasts.