BSides Bloomington 2026: Insert Coin to Opt Out

 In a world where everything is “free” but costs our attention, data, and agency, what does it look like to take back control? This year's theme is a call to build systems that serve users instead of monetizing them; to make intentional choices about the tools we use and to treat security as empowerment rather than restriction. We're exploring alternatives that support our right to regain control of the systems, software, and technology we utilize in our day-to-day lives.

This year, our arcade aesthetic celebrates the roots of hacker culture: curiosity, play, and experimentation, while confronting the reality of today’s demanding emerging tech, AI interjecting in every area of our lives, and always-on platforms. Opting out should be accessible instead of a monumental undertaking for anyone. We’re here to learn, tinker, and level up, because you shouldn’t have to surrender your autonomy just to participate in the digital world.

Join us at the Bloomington Convention Center for two days of talks, workshops, and villages!

 In music, a "B-side" is a term from the days of vinyl records that refers to a secondary recording that is usually left out of an album. Security BSides was co-founded in 2009 by Jack Daniel, Chris Nickerson, and Mike Dahn after being rejected from a DefCon event. These professionals wanted to create more opportunities for researchers and professionals to share their ideas, outside of the larger, expensive conferences.

Now Security BSides is a framework utilized internationally by a network of loosely affiliated conferences, each unique in their personality but united in their cause: make the sharing of information accessible and fun.