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For Planning Purposes
August 9, 2018
Contact:
SOS Press Office
(916) 653-6575

MEDIA ADVISORY

Secretary of State Alex Padilla to Speak at DEFCON

LAS VEGAS - California Secretary of State Alex Padilla will participate in DEFCON’s lunch keynote “State and Local Perspectives on Election Security” on Friday, August 10 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Padilla will be the first Secretary of State to attend and speak at DEFCON.

“As cyber threats become more sophisticated, so must our cyber defenses,” said Secretary of State Alex Padilla. “DEFCON provides a unique opportunity to learn about evolving threats to our elections and how officials can better secure our systems. Election security is my top priority and my staff and I are working around the clock to protect the integrity of our elections ahead of the November General Election."

The National Association of Secretaries of State released this statement today regarding some of the activities taking place at DEFCON, particularly in the Voting Machine Hacking Village. 

Since its founding in 1993, DEFCON has become one of the world’s largest hacker conferences. Held annually in Las Vegas, the event attracts leading hackers, along with computer security professionals, journalists, lawyers, academics, and local, state and federal government leaders.

Who:

California Secretary of State Alex Padilla
Jeanette Manfra, National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) Assistant Secretary for the Office of Cybersecurity and Communications (CS&C), DHS
Neal Kelley, Chief of Elections, Registrar of Voters, Orange County, California
Amber McReynolds, Director of Elections, City and County of Denver, Colorado
Noah Praetz, Director of Elections, Cook County, Illinois
Jake Braun (moderator)

What:

DEFCON Annual Conference Lunch Keynote: State and Local Perspectives on Election Security

When:

Friday, August 10, 2018 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Where:

Caesar's Palace Las Vegas, Livorno Room

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