Black Hat’s Pledge for Sustainable Cybersecurity: Building a Resilient Future

Black Hat Launches Sustainability Pledge: A Step Towards a More Responsible Cybersecurity Community

SAN FRANCISCO, July 13, 2023 — In a major move towards a sustainable future, Black Hat, the producer of the cybersecurity industry’s most established security events, has announced the launch of its Sustainability Pledge. This initiative outlines the company’s commitment to positively impact the cybersecurity community and the planet by delivering responsible and inclusive events, with the goal of becoming a net-zero carbon business by 2030.

Prioritizing Sustainability and Inclusivity

Black Hat acknowledges its responsibility in ensuring that its community feels represented and knowledgeable about its sustainable practices. By publishing its Sustainability Pledge, Black Hat hopes to inspire all event attendees and partners to reflect and find ways to contribute to creating sustainable events. The initiatives included in the pledge aim at addressing sustainability, diversity, and inclusivity topics in the cybersecurity community.

Inspiring Sustainable Development

To increase awareness and promote purposeful partnerships, Black Hat USA 2023 will feature a range of initiatives such as Briefings, a Community Lounge, and a Community Program. These platforms will serve as catalysts for discussions around diversity, inclusion, and sustainability in the cybersecurity industry.

Briefings: The Diversity Microtalks within the Briefings will include insightful practical microtalks by cybersecurity industry leaders. Topics such as “Reducing Your Team’s Energy Costs: An Inclusion Microtalk,” “Breaking Barriers: A Data-Centric Approach,” and “Microaggressions and Turnover: Three Ways to Reduce Quiet Quitting” will be discussed.

Community Lounge: The Community Lounge will be dedicated to discussing current issues related to diversity and inclusion in the cybersecurity industry. It will host sessions on women in cybersecurity, addressing the distinct challenges they often face in the field and exploring solutions to create a more diverse and inclusive community.

Community Program: The session titled “Climate Change and Cybersecurity: Building a Resilient Future” will explore the relationship between climate change, cybersecurity, and information security (InfoSec). It will delve into topics such as the carbon footprint of InfoSec, reducing energy consumption, sustainable procurement, protecting critical infrastructure, and supporting renewable energy systems.

In order to expand accessibility, Black Hat is hosting its annual Student and Veteran Scholarship programs and partnering with various organizations to offer additional scholarship opportunities. These organizations include Black Girls Hack, The Diana Initiative, Executive Women’s Forum, Women in Security and Privacy, and Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu.

Minimizing Environmental Impact

Black Hat has taken significant steps to minimize its environmental impact. Beginning in 2022, it made the decision to no longer incorporate aisle floor carpet within the design of the Business Hall floor. This choice has diverted approximately 102,870 square feet of carpet from being sent to the landfill after the close of Black Hat USA 2022. For the upcoming event in 2023, digital signage will continue to be prioritized, and exhibitors and sponsors will be encouraged to consider sustainability in their procurement choices.

Black Hat also collaborates with its venue, the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, to implement energy efficiency measures and manage food waste, aiming to reduce event emissions for 2023.

Designing Socially Responsible Events

Ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion within the cybersecurity community is a priority for Black Hat. The event series includes sessions in its program that highlight these important topics. In addition, Black Hat USA 2023 will provide pronoun ribbons at registration, allowing attendees to display their pronouns. The event’s mobile app will also feature an optional field to display pronouns.

Black Hat consistently reevaluates its events to prioritize accessibility. At Black Hat USA, there will be dedicated seating for attendees, a prayer room, childcare facilities, and a Mothers Room. The On-Demand Access feature will offer captioning on recorded content to ensure inclusivity.

An Editorial Perspective on Black Hat’s Sustainability Pledge

Black Hat’s commitment to sustainability and inclusivity in the cybersecurity community is commendable. As cybersecurity continues to play an increasingly critical role in society, it is vital that events such as Black Hat lead by example and prioritize responsible practices.

The initiatives outlined in the Sustainability Pledge address crucial aspects of sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. By providing platforms for discussions and partnerships, Black Hat is helping to create a more accessible and inclusive community. Furthermore, the focus on reducing environmental impact demonstrates a broader commitment to holistic sustainability.

The cybersecurity community benefits greatly from diverse perspectives and experiences, and Black Hat’s efforts to highlight diversity and ensure inclusivity will undoubtedly lead to a more robust and effective industry. By incorporating pronoun ribbons and accessible resources, Black Hat is setting a strong precedent for other conferences and events to follow.

Advice for Cybersecurity Events and Beyond

Black Hat’s Sustainability Pledge serves as a model for other cybersecurity events and organizations to make similar commitments. Sustainability, inclusivity, and diversity should be integral considerations for all industry players. Here are a few recommendations:

1. Establish clear and public sustainability goals, such as carbon neutrality targets.
2. Organize sessions and programs that address diversity, equity, and inclusion within the cybersecurity community.
3. Implement accessible resources, such as pronoun options and dedicated spaces, to ensure inclusivity for all attendees.
4. Encourage partners and exhibitors to prioritize sustainability in their procurement choices.
5. Collaborate with venues to implement energy efficiency measures and reduce waste.
6. Offer scholarship programs to expand access to cybersecurity education and careers.

By incorporating these recommendations into their practices, cybersecurity events can contribute to building a sustainable and inclusive future for the industry.

As the cybersecurity community continues to evolve, it is crucial to prioritize sustainability and inclusivity. Black Hat’s Sustainability Pledge sets a high standard for the industry, and it is an encouraging step towards a more responsible and resilient future.