- This event has passed.
The Lost Underground – Ray and Mike Felch
October 20, 2023 @ 3:00 pm – 3:50 pm MDT
Take an exhilarating journey back in time to the 80s, 90s, and 00s as this father and son duo reveal what it was like to get started in an untamed security landscape populated by ruthless hackers. Join us for a captivating presentation as we delve into the intriguing world of the lost underground scene, revealing the stories, techniques, and culture that defined this rebellious era.
In this session, we will immerse ourselves into a first-person narrative, uncovering the exploits of daring hackers who pushed the boundaries of technology, defying authority along the way. Witness the unveiling of covert methods employed to breach elusive systems and expose vulnerabilities, all while evading detection.
Relive the adrenaline-fueled battles between hacking and cracking groups. Experience the excitement of overcoming copy protections and unlocking the hidden treasures of beloved games. Beyond the exploits and hacking, this presentation celebrates the brilliant minds that thrived within this underground subculture.
Whether you seek nostalgic reminiscence or a deeper understanding of infosec’s origins, this presentation promises an engaging and enlightening experience. Join us as we reveal the secrets of the underground, shedding light on a remarkable chapter in technology’s history, where rebels and visionaries left their mark on today’s infosec industry.
Ray Felch joined the Black Hills Information Security (BHIS) team in June 2019. Originally hired as an intern, Ray is now a Hardware Researcher responsible for working on embedded hardware, hardware labs, wireless research, and technical blogs. After retirement as an electronic engineer, embedded programmer, and firmware developer, his son, Mike Felch, recommended coming to work with him at BHIS. Ray most values the positive support he receives and the freedom to research and create wireless circuitry for educational purposes and vulnerability assessments. Outside of work, he enjoys playing guitar, amateur radio, outdoor activities, reading, and spending time with family.
Mike Felch first joined Black Hills Information Security (BHIS) in August 2017. As a Security Researcher, his role is to identify and weaponize security vulnerabilities in emerging technologies. Mike started his career in 1997 as a Linux administrator, which led to numerous offensive security and engineering roles. He chose BHIS because of the value placed on team culture, and he enjoys being part of a company that has the opportunity to make a difference in major organizations worldwide. Outside of work, Mike operates a family ranch where he raises cattle, chickens, and goats.