Hackers on the Hill

Colorado state Capitol building with its characteristic dome against a cloudy morning sky

Today is the day! Our first ever Hackers on the Hill Colorado (and first ever US State-level event) kicks off in about an hour. Hope to see you there!

The Colorado State Capitol building and its gold dome seen through bare winter trees at dusk, with streetlamps lining the walkways below.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Made it to Denver early. Doing recon at the Capitol before Tuesday’s Hackers on the Hill Colorado event. Can you ever really be too early to work on cyber policy?

Sign up to be the first to know when new events drop: hackersonthehill.org/colorado-2026

Until then: Merry Hacksmas to all, and to all a good respite!

And just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, our hugely popular Cyber Policy Shark Tank will also be returning! With more chances to participate and engage with public policymakers.

January is typically one of the most chaotic times on the Hill, but our Shmoocon tradition had us locked in. For 2026, we're working WITH the Hill calendar not against it. Expect DC later in 2026, perfectly synced with actual policymaking cycles (and bonus: no frostbite!).

“But wait, where’s the DC interest form, isn't it past time to get on your sleigh?” Next year will being a few changes to the event that we're pretty pleased with - and I suspect you will be too.

Looking forward to 2026: We’re on track to double the number of events! Our first STATE-level Hackers on the Hill drops in Denver this February alongside @wildwesthackinfest.bsky.social (aka the yee-haw edition). Plus TWO more national-level events in the chimney and possibly more to come!

Looking back on 2025: We held three full Hackers on the Hill events in as many countries (debugging democracy globally) plus Policy Village at BSides Ottawa and Cyber Policy Shark Tank on the main stage at Critical Effect. Hundreds of hackers. Three dozen policymakers. Our biggest year yet.

Twas the week before Christmas and all through the House (and Senate)...

A recap 🧵 of Hackers on the Hill 2025 and a look ahead to 2026

We're headed to Denver, alongside @wildwesthackinfest.bsky.social on February 10, 2026!

Submit your interest to engage with state policymakers at the first ever Hackers on the Hill Colorado. forms.gle/d7s9EjbFece9...

More details coming soon... #HackersOnTheHill

D'Arcy McGee's · 44 Sparks St., Ottawa, ON K1P 1C7, Canada ★★★★☆ · Restaurant

Our Cyber Policy Happy Hour is happening *today* from 4:30-6:30 at D'Arcy McGee's! Come meet some of the organizers and speakers at Policy Village at #BSidesOttawa before you watch them on stage tomorrow and Friday. maps.app.goo.gl/sbiCuqRwosVF...

Policy Village - BSidesOttawa Policy Village is not about corporate policies such as Acceptable Use Policy… Nor is it about implementing technical controls or anything like that. Rather, it’s about understanding the ways that…

The #BSidesOttawa Policy Village is ready to go! Discover how policy influences cybersecurity and the conversations shaping the future.
🔗 bsidesottawa.ca/policy-villa...

#CyberSecurity #PolicyMatters #OttawaEvent

Join Jim Troutman for Do you want to play a game? How about Disabling Civilization? POLICY EDITION - Critical Infrastructure, a session exploring critical infrastructure and policy considerations.

Visit here for more details: bsidesottawa.ca/policy-villa... #PolicyVillage #CyberSecurity

Policy Village - BSidesOttawa Policy Village is not about corporate policies such as Acceptable Use Policy… Nor is it about implementing technical controls or anything like that. Rather, it’s about understanding the ways that…

Plan your #BSidesOttawa experience. The Policy Village schedule is now live with sessions on AI governance, digital trust, and cyber resilience.
🔗 bsidesottawa.ca/policy-villa...

#CyberPolicy #InfoSec #TechGovernance

Join Cheryl Biswas for Do you want to play a game? How about Disabling Civilization? POLICY EDITION - Critical Infrastructure, a session exploring critical infrastructure and policy considerations.
Visit here for more details: bsidesottawa.ca/policy-villa... #PolicyVillage #CyberSecurity

Policy Village - BSidesOttawa Policy Village is not about corporate policies such as Acceptable Use Policy… Nor is it about implementing technical controls or anything like that. Rather, it’s about understanding the ways that…

It’s official — the Policy Village schedule for #BSidesOttawa is now posted. Join sessions where security, policy, and innovation meet.
🔗 bsidesottawa.ca/policy-villa...

#PublicPolicy #CyberSecurity #BSides

D'Arcy McGee's · 44 Sparks St., Ottawa, ON K1P 1C7, Canada ★★★★☆ · Restaurant

Attending Policy Village at #BSidesOttawa later this week and *thirsty* for more cyber policy content? Join the organizers and speakers for a Cyber Policy Happy Hour on Wednesday, November 19 from 4:30-6:30 at D'Arcy McGee's!

Join Shelly Bruce for Grassroots movements: Promoting their vital role in the national cybersecurity ecosystem, a session exploring the importance of grassroots initiatives in shaping cybersecurity policy and practice.

Visit here for more details: bsidesottawa.ca/policy-villa...

#PolicyVillage

Join John Weigelt for Sovereignty – Nobody knows what it means, but it’s provocative, a session exploring the concept of sovereignty in the context of cybersecurity, laws, and policy.

Visit here for more details: bsidesottawa.ca/policy-villa...

#PolicyVillage #CyberSecurity #Policy #Governance

Join Michael Woolslayer for Good Faith Security Research: Protecting Canada’s Grey Hats, discussing Canada’s approach to security research and protection of ethical hackers.

Visit here for more details: bsidesottawa.ca/policy-villa...
#PolicyVillage #CyberSecurity #GreyHats #TechPolicy

D'Arcy McGee's · 44 Sparks St., Ottawa, ON K1P 1C7, Canada ★★★★☆ · Restaurant

Attending Policy Village at #BSidesOttawa next week and *thirsty* for more cyber policy content? Join the organizers and speakers for a Cyber Policy Happy Hour on Wednesday, November 19 from 4:30-6:30 at D'Arcy McGee's! maps.app.goo.gl/sbiCuqRwosVF...

Policy Village - BSidesOttawa Policy Village is not about corporate policies such as Acceptable Use Policy… Nor is it about implementing technical controls or anything like that. Rather, it’s about understanding the ways that…

The #BSidesOttawa Policy Village lineup is out! Explore talks on policy, governance, and cybersecurity’s evolving landscape. Don’t miss this year’s sessions.
🔗 bsidesottawa.ca/policy-villa...

#CyberPolicy #InfoSecCommunity

Policy Village - BSidesOttawa Policy Village is not about corporate policies such as Acceptable Use Policy… Nor is it about implementing technical controls or anything like that. Rather, it’s about understanding the ways that…

The #BSidesOttawa Policy Village lineup is out! Explore talks on policy, governance, and cybersecurity’s evolving landscape. Don’t miss this year’s sessions.
🔗 bsidesottawa.ca/policy-villa...

#CyberPolicy #InfoSecCommunity

From the SecurityCareerAdvice community on Reddit Explore this post and more from the SecurityCareerAdvice community

I have an AMA starting now on Reddit. www.reddit.com/r/SecurityCa...

D'Arcy McGee's · 44 Sparks St., Ottawa, ON K1P 1C7, Canada ★★★★☆ · Restaurant

Attending Policy Village at BSides Ottawa next week and *thirsty* for more cyber policy content? Join the organizers and speakers for a Cyber Policy Happy Hour on Wednesday, November 19 from 4:30-6:30 at D'Arcy McGee's! maps.app.goo.gl/sbiCuqRwosVF...

Quantum computing brings new security challenges. Karl Holmqvist explores Canada’s policy response to quantum threats and how the country is preparing to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive data.
Visit here for more details: bsidesottawa.ca/policy-villa...
#QuantumSecurity #PolicyVillage

Canada’s AI regulation matters globally. Kathrin Gardhouse explores how national policies can align with international standards while balancing innovation, ethics, and accountability. A must-hear for policymakers and tech experts.
Visit here for more: bsidesottawa.ca/policy-villa...
#AIRegulation

Policy Village - BSidesOttawa Policy Village is not about corporate policies such as Acceptable Use Policy… Nor is it about implementing technical controls or anything like that. Rather, it’s about understanding the ways that…

The Policy Village schedule for #BSidesOttawa is live! Dive into sessions exploring how policy and cybersecurity connect. Check the lineup and plan your day.
🔗 bsidesottawa.ca/policy-villa...

#CyberSecurity #InfoSec #PolicyMatters

Do you want to play a game? How about Disabling Civilization: POLICY EDITION? Explore critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, and the policies keeping essential systems safe.
More info: bsidesottawa.ca

#PolicyVillage #CriticalInfrastructure #CyberSecurity

Do you want to play a game? How about Disabling Civilization: POLICY EDITION? Explore critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, and the policies keeping essential systems safe.
More info: bsidesottawa.ca

#PolicyVillage #CriticalInfrastructure #CyberSecurity