36TH Annual FIRST Conference BRIDGING SECURITY RESPONSE GAPS

Attendee Communications

Overview

For those of you who are new to FIRST events, FIRST sends periodic communications that specifically relate to the event you are registered for. Information will include general reminders, mobile app information (when applicable), tips/suggestions for planning your trip, limited time opportunities, event-related social activities, and messaging from key sponsors and supporters.

Below is a record of messages that have already been sent to FIRSTCON delegates to ensure you don't miss out!

Attendee Comms 4: June 5

We hope you are excited for the 36th Annual FIRST Conference: Bridging Security Response Gaps to be held at the Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk June 9–14, 2024 in Fukuoka, Japan.

Why am I receiving this?
If you are new to FIRST events, our event team periodically sends attendee communications that specifically relate to the event you are registered for. Information includes general reminders, mobile app information (when applicable), tips/suggestions for planning your trip, limited-time opportunities, event-related social activities, and messaging from key sponsors and supporters. You may find a history of attendee communications for this event will be logged at: https://www.first.org/conference/2024/attendee-comms.

In this Digest:

  • Diamond Sponsor Welcome Message Correction
  • Accessing the Conference App – Available Now
  • Special Diet Foods Notice
  • Final Reminders

Diamond Sponsor Welcome Message – Correction In last week's email, we shared FIRSTCON24 welcome messages from our incredible Diamond conference sponsors. However, there was one misprint. We apologize for this and would like to reshare the messaging from our sponsor, NISC: https://www.nisc.go.jp/

NISC:
We would like to welcome you to Japan and hope you will enjoy your stay in Fukuoka. The National center of Incident readiness and Strategy for Cybersecurity (NISC) is delighted to support this global gathering of security professionals.

NISC was established based on the Basic Act on Cybersecurity in 2015. As the Japanese national cybersecurity center, NISC plays a leading role in the cybersecurity policy in Japan.

NISC has a role as the secretariat of the Cybersecurity Strategic Headquarters of Japan as well. NISC is also the operational body, the Computer Emergency Response Team of the Government of Japan.

Please visit us at the NISC's booth in the expo hall for an informative and engaging discussion.

We are looking forward to seeing you at #FIRSTCON24!

Accessing the Conference App – Available Now Download the conference app to stay on top of all the conference news. The mobile app will allow you to access the program agenda, message your fellow attendees, submit speaker surveys, and most importantly, view live-streamed and recorded conference content from a mobile device or desktop computer.

All schedule updates and live communications will be shared via the conference mobile app, it is also your one-stop shop for our virtual attendees. There are no direct Zoom links to join the conference being shared, everything is in the app. We recommend our in-person attendees please download the app prior to arrival and familiarize yourself with its features. We have also included a couple of useful links for your travel to Japan.

Desktop Access: If you wish to view the conference content from your desktop, please bookmark this link and proceed to steps 2 & 3 below: https://firstevents.certaintouchpoint.com/apps/2843

Mobile Devices and Tablets:

  1. From the iOS or Android app store, search for “FIRST ORG Events”. Look for the green “FIRST” icon logo. If you have attended a past FIRST event featuring the app, you may already have the app installed on your phone. Direct store links are below:
  2. Once you have access to the app, click on the Login link.
    • If you are a FIRST member, you can use your SSO login.
    • If you are not a FIRST member, you will need to Request a Password. Check for an email from donotreply@certaintouchpoint.com that contains a set password link.
  3. Once logged into the app, please select “FIRSTCON24”.
    • The app features are straightforward, please scroll around to familiarize yourself with them.
    • Update your privacy settings. Everyone is defaulted to Private. Please review your profile settings by tapping on the user icon next to your email in the upper left corner of the app menu and then click on the “Edit” link found in the upper right. We encourage participants to toggle their visibility on.
    • You may also upload a photo and update any other pieces of information you would like to share on your public profile.All scheduled updates and live communications will take place through the app.
    • Please be sure that app notifications are enabled.

Special Diet Foods Notice This is a kind reminder to those who did NOT submit dietary concerns, there will be tables at the food buffets clearly marked for those with dietary needs, DO NOT EAT FROM THESE TABLES. There is a limited quantity of these foods, please remember this food is for those who need it. Please be respectful.

Final Reminders!

  • All programming takes place onsite at the Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk, conference session and meeting rooms are on floors 1 and 3, accessible by the elevators, escalators, and stairs. There are maps around the building and are also available digitally with room markers in the attendee mobile app.
  • No printed agendas will be available. If you would like a hard copy, please print a copy at home and bring it with you. The agenda is available at: https://www.first.org/conference/2024/program.
  • Conference registration opens on Sunday, June 9th. Registration will be available for Training participants ONLY from 07:00-08:30, then it will be open for all conference participants from12:00-18:00. Registration is on Floor 1 of Hilton Fukuoka. Simply walk up and access the self-check-in kiosks. Registration will be open daily, detailed hours may be found here: https://www.first.org/conference/2024/program.
  • There are a few networking sessions throughout the week! A Newbie Session and Welcome Reception on Sunday June 9, The Sponsor Showcase Reception on Monday, and of course, the highlight of everyone’s week, the Conference Social Event on Wednesday evening!
  • The Capture the Flag is available for remote and on-site participation. The hybrid CTF will run from Monday to Thursday (June 10-14). The schedule will be in Japan Standard Time (UTC +9). You must be a registered conference attendee to participate, and your team must have at least one team member onsite in Fukuoka. Registration for the challenge will open on Sunday, June 9. A link to register and registration code for the CTF Challenge is available in the conference app now.
  • Be sure to visit the Exhibitor Hall to chat with some of our incredible sponsor teams that helped make this event possible, give them an Arigatō!
  • Finally, as you travel to Japan, be aware. If you have a connecting flight from an international departure, you will need to pick up and recheck your luggage. Be sure to follow the entry Customs instructions, paper copies will be available on the plane, or you can fill out your form in advance online (https://services.digital.go.jp/en/visit-japan-web/) and have a QR code ready for the agents to scan.

Attendee Comms 3: May 31

We hope you are excited for the 36th Annual FIRST Conference: Bridging Security Response Gaps to be held at the Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk June 9–14, 2024 in Fukuoka, Japan.

Why am I receiving this? If you are new to FIRST events, our event team periodically sends attendee communications that specifically relate to the event you are registered for. Information includes general reminders, mobile app information (when applicable), tips/suggestions for planning your trip, limited-time opportunities, event-related social activities, and messaging from key sponsors and supporters. You may find a history of attendee communications for this event will be logged at: https://www.first.org/conference/2024/attendee-comms.

In this Digest

  • Registration Procedure and Times
  • Sunday Pre-Con Training – Come Prepared!
  • Sunday Networking Lineup
  • CTF Challenge Information
  • Additional Conference Odds and Ends
  • Diamond Sponsor Welcome Messages: CyCraft, LAC, and NISC

Registration Procedure and Times

Conference registration opens on Sunday, June 9th. Registration will be available for Training participants ONLY from 07:00-08:30, then it will open for all conference participants from 12:00-18:00.

Registration is on the 1st Floor of Hilton Fukuoka. We will have self-check-in kiosks for a speedy process. Simply approach the desk, type in your name and print your badge, or have your barcode ready on your mobile device ready to scan. A copy of your registration confirmation can be found below the text of this email.

If you require a badge re-print, we ask that you head over to the Speaker Check-in/Badge Reprint line. Reprints will only be granted if necessary. Please keep your badge on throughout the week and be careful with it.

If you are a speaker, please look for the Speaker Check-in line. Be sure to touch base with Dana and Lauren to ask any questions you may have.

If you are unable to register on Sunday, registration opens bright and early on Monday, June 10th at 07:00. Registration will be open daily, detailed hours may be found here: https://www.first.org/conference/2024/program.

Please note there will be no shirt size exchanges permitted until Friday, June 14th.

Sunday Pre-Con Training - June 9, 2024 (separate registration is required)

Those registered for the Sunday Trainings should reference the Training agenda to be sure they are prepared for their selection training. Training details are listed on the program agenda at: https://www.first.org/conference/2024/training/program If your training has specific requirements, they will be listed in the abstract section of the training agenda.

Sunday Networking Activities - June 9, 2024

If you are NOT joining Sunday trainings, the first activity of the day is geared towards FIRST newbies. Join us in the main ballroom, Argos DEF, from 17:00-18:00 for a FIRSTCON 101 session. First-time attendees will also be able to pick up badge flair at this session.

Immediately following is the Welcome Reception sponsored by Adobe located in the Seala Restaurant and Chapel Aura areas on the 4th floor (same floor as the main hotel check-in lobby). The Welcome Reception is a networking opportunity for all attendees. Please have your name badge and join your colleagues at the opening reception from 18:00-20:00. Light appetizers and beverages will be served.

CTF Challenge Invitation

Each year, an annual Capture the Flag ("CTF") event is held, hosted by the SecLounge SIG. For the 2024 edition, the SecLounge SIG will offer a hybrid event allowing both remote and on-site participation. This SIG is excited to welcome a set of new challenge contributors to the group this year and hopes to keep this year's CTF players engaged throughout the conference week.

The hybrid CTF will run from Monday to Thursday (June 10-14). The communicated schedule will be in the Japan Standard Time (UTC +9). You must be a registered conference attendee (in-person or virtual) to participate. Your team must have at least 1 team member onsite in Fukuoka.

The CTF consists of a series of technical exercises (challenges) where the participants must find an answer or flag and submit it to the CTF platform.

Every flag submitted contributes to the team's score. A number of new challenges are released every day during the conference and are categorized as network, web, ICS, cryptography, reverse engineering, programming, miscellaneous, puzzle, and so on.

Registration for the challenge will open on Sunday, June 9. A link to register and registration code for the CTF Challenge will be available in the conference app.

Below is a note from the CTF Challenge hosts:

Dear Players,

The SIG SecLounge is pleased to announce the 14th edition of the FIRST Annual Conference CTF.

This year, we will again offer a wide variety of defensive oriented challenges covering many complementary skills: ICS, CTI, forensic, reversing, coding, MISP, some puzzles… Some challenges are easy and there to have quickly some fun while others are advanced for the hard-core players.

Any conference attendee should be able to at least solve some challenges and learn something. We therefore encourage everyone to give a try and bring a laptop at the conference.

Some challenges require to run tools that you can download or run a VM containing all the required tools (like the SANS SIFT Workstation or Kali Linux).

The CTF is made to be played in teams up to 4. The first 3 teams will receive some nice prices as long as they participate on-site.

Upon registration, you will receive an email containing all the credentials for the platforms deployed to host the CTF.

Hope to see numerous players this year!

Kr,

Renato & David

Additional Conference Odds and Ends

A couple more odds and ends to share in hopes of elevating your experience on-site!

Meal Rooms for Breakfast and Lunch: Meals and breaks are available to all registrants. Breaks will be available in the Argos ABC, and Lunch will have seating and standing options in Argos ABC + Grand Foyer. We ask our delegates to be kind and give up your seat if you notice someone who might need it for physical reasons. We will be providing continental breakfast for those not staying in the Hilton and lunch for everyone Monday through Friday. If you are staying in the Hilton, Breakfast in Seala is included with your booking every day.

Wednesday’s Social Event: Wednesday’s social event will be located on-property at the Hilton Sea Hawk in in Argos ABC + Grand Foyer. Get ready for a fun evening with your peers! Festivities run from 19:00-22:00. Food and drinks will be available.

Accessing the Conference App – Coming Soon: Our next attendee comms message will be the last. Keep an eye out for it for final event reminders as well as the instructions for downloading the attendee mobile app where you can stream sessions, connect with other attendees, and watch recorded content.

Diamond Sponsor Welcome Messages:

Finally, we wanted to take a moment to share some messages from our three Diamond conference sponsors. It is largely due to their generous support that we can bring the wonderful community together at FIRSTCON24!

CyCraft: A Pioneering Force in AI Plus Cybersecurity

Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Taiwan, CyCraft has overseas offices in Japan and Singapore. The company has garnered multiple recognitions from top international research institutions such as Gartner, IDC, and Frost & Sullivan.

XCockpit: Autonomous Threat Exposure Management Platform

CyCraft has developed the world’s first Autonomous Threat Exposure Management Platform called XCockpit, focusing on managing attack surface paths of enterprises to anticipate potential threats and exposures before breaching.

  1. Intelligent Attack Surface Management

    • Integration of Cyber and AI technologies to provide a visualized interface for managing attack surface.
    • AI simulates attack paths based on business objectives, quantifies risk indicators, and strengthens cyber resilience.

  2. Autonomous Cyber Incident Response

    • Automating incident management, shifting from alert-based processing to analysis-driven approaches to enhance operational efficiency.
    • AI provides real-time incident insights, assists in analysis tasks, and generates forensic reports to alleviate manpower constraints.

  3. Visualization of Account Security

    • AI simulates impact analysis of accounts, anticipates hacker attack paths, and identifies enterprise privilege boundaries.
    • Monitoring threat indicators, promptly detecting AD account attack methods, and recognizing internal network attack indicators.

If you want to know more about CyCraft or XCockpit, feel free to contact contact-jp@cycraft.com or visit our booth during FIRSTCON24 (2024/6/9-14)!

LAC

Greetings to 36th FIRST Annual Conference attendees. We represent LAC Co., Ltd., a leading cybersecurity entity from Japan.

As a Diamond sponsor, we proudly support the success of FIRSTCON24 in Fukuoka.

Being a local pioneer on launching cybersecurity services since 1995, we have consistently led the vanguard of the sector.

We host the largest security monitoring center, known as JSOC (Japan SOC), and provide an exhaustive array of services, spanning Cybersecurity Consulting, Incident Response, Cybersecurity Assessments, Penetration Testing, and security for IoT/OT ecosystems.

Please visit our exhibition space to learn more, engage with our specialists, and receive unique Japanese mementos.

For a deeper understanding of our endeavors, come and visit our website at https://www.lac.co.jp/english/.

We are here to happily assist you to foster connections, share pertinent insights, and exhibit our specialized knowledge.

We look forward to meeting you in Fukuoka!

NISC:

We would like to welcome you to Japan and hope you will enjoy your stay in Fukuoka. The National center of Incident readiness and Strategy for Cybersecurity (NISC) is delighted to support this global gathering of security professionals.

NISC was established based on the Basic Act on Cybersecurity in 2015. As the Japanese national cybersecurity center, NISC plays a leading role in the cybersecurity policy in Japan.

NISC has a role as the secretariat of the Cybersecurity Strategic Headquarters of Japan as well. NISC is also the operational body, the Computer Emergency Response Team of the Government of Japan.

Please visit us at the NISC's booth in the expo hall for an informative and engaging discussion.

We are looking forward to seeing you at #FIRSTCON24!

That’s all for this update! If you have additional questions about the conference and your participation, reach out to our team (events@first.org) for assistance.

Be sure to bookmark the conference website for all the latest updates at: https://conference.first.org.

Sincerely, FIRST Events Office

Attendee Comms 2: May 10

We hope you are excited for the 36th Annual FIRST Conference: Bridging Security Response Gaps to be held at the Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk June 9–14, 2024 in Fukuoka, Japan.

In this Digest

  • Sunday Pre-Con Training (separate registration is required)
  • Sunday Networking Activities: Newbies and Welcome Reception
  • Travel Reminders
  • Activity Highlight: Annual Attendee Football Match and Networking on June 10
  • NETSEC SIG Training on June 15

Sunday Pre-Con Training - June 9, 2024

There are still seats available for several of the Sunday pre-conference training courses. The opportunity is open to all conference delegates looking for further enrichment.

Please keep in mind:

  • Separate registration is REQUIRED.
  • Sunday training activities are considered stand-alone from the conference and will not be live-streamed or recorded.
  • There is a registration fee for training: $300 USD for FIRST members and $500 USD for non-members.

Participants may register for training courses on-site on Sunday morning if seating permits. We urge and recommend participants to do their best with pre-planning to help our team on-site and to avoid registration bottlenecks during the Sunday morning rush.

Training details are listed on the program agenda at: https://www.first.org/conference/2024/training/program

If your training has specific requirements, they will be listed in the abstract section of the training agenda.

Registration for the training is available here: https://www.first.org/conference/2024/registration-options

Sunday Networking Activities - June 9, 2024

If you are NOT joining Sunday trainings, our first activity of the day is geared towards FIRST newbies. Join us in the main ballroom, Argos DEF, from 17:00-18:00 for a FIRSTCON 101 session. First-time attendees will also be able to pick up badge flair at the session.

Immediately following is the Welcome Reception sponsored by Adobe located in the Seala Restaurant and Chapel Aura areas on the 4th floor (same floor as the main hotel check-in lobby). Please have your name badge and join your colleagues at the opening reception from 18:00-20:00. Light appetizers and beverages will be served.

Travel Reminders While we know many of you are seasoned travelers, we do ask that you take a moment to review all travel requirements and procedures before entering Japan.

When you enter Japan, you are requested to hand in a Customs Declaration form for both your personal effects and unaccompanied baggage at the Customs Clearance. Customs Declaration forms are available on the plane, and in the airport Customs Inspection Area. You may also use e-filing via web page or QR code.

Further procedures of passenger clearance may also be necessary, so be sure to familiarize yourself with all the necessary information.

More details can be found at: https://www.customs.go.jp/english/summary/passenger.htm

Be aware of your hotel check-in times; you can always check your bags at the hotel’s front desk if you arrive early.

Activity Highlight: Annual Attendee Football Match and Networking - June 10, 2024

If you are new to FIRST, this attendee-hosted event is a great networking opportunity...please keep in mind that this is not an official FIRST-hosted activity. Attendees are responsible for their own actions.

Michael Mortensen, of Nucleus Security, has made the following arrangements for those interested in playing or cheering:

The What, Where, & When:

  • What: A social networking, active and fun time with your peers. The (Un)official Football event is a great opportunity to meet new friends and have a good time. Everyone is welcome to join and you can also attend to cheer if you prefer. Dress code: Indoor shoes / sneakers.
  • Where: Pivole Indoor Futbal (https://www.pivole.com/). We have access to the pitch from 19:30-21:30.
  • When: Depart from the Hilton Hotel’s lobby at 18:45 on Monday, June 10. A bus with the capacity of up to 50 people will take us from the Hilton hotel to Pivole (https://www.pivole.com/). We will return to the Hilton hotel at 22:00.
  • Registration: It will be based on first-come first-served. Please register at this link and select if you will play or cheer: https://nucleussec.com/football-game-first-conference-2024/.

  • Our team will follow up with additional information as we get closer to the event.

A huge thanks to Nucleus Security - Unified Vulnerability Management - for sponsoring this event, and to Koichiro Komiyama (Sparky) of JPCERT/CC for helping out with local support to make this fan favorite event possible!

NETSEC SIG Training - June 15, 2024
The FIRST NETSEC SIG will be conducting a NETSEC training for the FIRST members attending the FIRSTCON24 in Fukuoka on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Details on this training opportunity can be found below. Please note this training is independent of the FIRSTCON24 conference content.

_Training Title: NETSEC Fundamental FREE Training at FIRSTCON24.

Educational Aims: This training is designed to align with the objectives of the FIRST NETSEC SIG, focusing on the advancement of network security education. It aims to introduce essential network security concepts and practices and support efforts to enhance incident response coordination across the network.

Intended Participants: All members of FIRST attending FIRSTCON24 are encouraged to participate (participants must present FIRSTCON24 badges). Additionally, members from various network groups such as xNIC, xNOG, xSP, and xCIRT within FIRST who are interested in contributing to the future activities of NETSEC SIG are invited to attend. _

Details:

  • Location: Hilton Seahawk Hotel, 3rd Floor
  • Capacity: Limited to 30 participants. RSVP for the training at: https://forms.gle/kCxxNozR8ZQM5YU99
  • Cost: None
  • Date and Time: June 15th, 2024, from 10:00 to 15:00.
    • Morning Training Session: 10:00-12:00
    • Lunch Intermission: 12:00-12:30 (note: meals are not provided)
    • Afternoon Training Session: 12:30-15:00
  • Instructors: NETSEC SIG Co-Chairs: John Kristoff, Merike Kaeo, and Aaron Kaplan

Training Content:

  • Introduction to foundational network security concepts
  • Techniques for securing routing infrastructure, including BGP and RPKI
  • Strategies for securing DNS
  • Utilization of network flow analysis tools and engaging in substantive NETSEC discussions5.

Participant Requirements: Attendees are required to bring a personal computer or tablet equipped with an independent internet connection for practical engagement with the tools discussed.

That’s all for this update! If you have additional questions about the conference and your participation, reach out to our team (events@first.org) for assistance.

Be sure to bookmark the conference website for all the latest updates at: https://conference.first.org.

Sincerely,
FIRST Events Office

Attendee Comms 1: April 5

Dear Attendee,

We hope you are getting excited for the 36th Annual FIRST Conference: Bridging Security Response Gaps to be held at the Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk June 9 – 14, 2024 in Fukuoka, Japan.

In this Digest – April 5, 2024

  • Birds of a Feather (BoF) Meetings: Accepting Submissions
  • Activity Highlight: Annual Attendee Football Match and Networking on June 10
  • Upcoming Odds and Ends: Virtual Participation, Conference App, Sunday Trainings
  • Check Out the Exhibitor Listing and Plan Ahead

Birds of a Feather (BoF) Meetings: Open Submissions We are accepting submissions for BoF meetings through the end of April at: https://www.first.org/conference/2024/bof-submission.

BoFs are informal meetings that take place during the annual conference and are based on the interest of attending participants. Non-members are also welcome to submit.

BoFs are scheduled throughout the conference week at the discretion of the FIRST organizers. BoF topics must be submitted for review and approval using the above submission form. A BoF agenda will be posted to the conference website prior to the conference.

Submissions must be received by April 30.

You must be a registered delegate to submit a BoF talk. Your submission email must match the email you used during your registration to receive the access code.

Activity Highlight: Annual Attendee Football Match & Networking on Monday, June 10 If you are new to FIRST, this attendee-hosted event is a great networking opportunity...please keep in mind that this is notan official FIRST-hosted activity. Attendees are responsible for their own actions.

Michael Mortensen, of Nucleus Security, has made the following arrangements for those interested in playing and/or cheering:

The What, Where, & When:

What:

  • A social networking, active and fun time with your peers. The (Un)official Football event is a great opportunity to meet new friends and have a good time. Everyone is welcome to join and you can also attend to cheer if you prefer. Dress code: Indoor shoes / sneakers.

Where:

When:

  • Depart from the Hilton Hotel’s lobby at 6:45 pm on Monday June 10. A bus with the capacity of up to 50 people will take us from the Hilton hotel to Pivole (https://www.pivole.com/). We will return to the Hilton hotel at 10pm.

  • Registration:

  • It will be based on first-come first-served. Please register at this link and select if you will play or cheer: https://nucleussec.com/football-game-first-conference-2024/ Our team will follow up with additional information as we get closer to the event.

A huge thanks to Nucleus Security - Unified Vulnerability Management - for sponsoring this event, and to Sparky for helping out with local support to make this fan favorite event possible!

Odds and Ends: Virtual Participation, Conference App Details, Sunday Workshops

  • Virtual Participation: FIRSTCON24 will be presented in a hybrid format. Those registered specifically as virtual participants will have access to TLP:CLEAR content within the conference mobile app. In-person attendees will also be able to access the app to view live and recorded content. Virtual participants can interact with in-person delegates and exhibitors from within the app.
  • Conference App: The conference app will be an all-in-one reference for conference participants. There are no printed agendas. No additional registration is required to access the conference app. Information on how to access the conference app will be released the week prior to the conference kick-off. The app will also be available in a desktop, browser-based version.
  • Sunday Training Opportunities: Sunday pre-conference training opportunities are listed here: https://www.first.org/conference/2024/training/program. Registration is required and is separate from conference week registration. You can access the training registration form here: https://events.first.org/profile/form/index.cfm?PKformID=0x15942abcd Please note Sunday training is an in-person opportunity only. They will not be recorded or streamed.

Check Out the Exhibitor Listing and Plan Ahead The sponsorship support we receive every year is overwhelming. We are grateful to our sponsors and hope you all choose to spend some time with them during the conference week. Please be sure to review the Exhibitor Listing on our Sponsorship Team page at: https://www.first.org/conference/2024/sponsorship-team.

Special thanks to our Diamond Sponsors, CyCraft, LAC, and NISC.
Special thanks to our Local Host, JPCERT/CC.

That’s all for update! If you have additional questions about the conference and your participation, please do not hesitate to contact our team (events@first.org) for assistance.

Lastly, be sure to bookmark the conference webpage for all the latest updates: https://conference.first.org.

Sincerely, FIRST Events Office