Category: Announcement

RVAsec 15 Registration Now Open!

January 26, 2026
AnnouncementConference

Tickets for RVAsec 15 are now on sale!

Registration for the RVAsec 15 security conference, located in Richmond, Virginia, is only $275 (to start) for two full days of talks, meals, snacks, drinks, reception, after party, prizes, a capture the flag contest, t-shirt & swag!

Once we sell out there will be no more tickets available and we do not have tickets for purchase at the door. Please help us ensure smooth planning with timely ticket purchases, and guarantee your spot at the conference.

Conference ticket prices and deadlines:**

  • $275 special price for the first 100 tickets!
  • $325 early price until 2/28
  • $400 regular registration until 3/31
  • $475 late registration 4/30
  • $550 super late registration 5/31
  • $650 absurd late registration until 6/5 or until tickets sell out

We also again have the RVAsec Marriott Hotel Package available until 5/29! The conference + Marriott hotel package is $650 and includes:

  • Two night’s stay at the Richmond Marriott Downtown (6/8 and 6/9), including taxes+fees (card needed at check-in for incidentals)
  • RVAsec conference admission
  • Custom Hack.RVA Electronic badge (the only way to guarantee one of the limited badges)
  • T-Shirt
  • Bag
  • Meals & snacks
  • Events

** If you are unable to attend due to the price, please contact us to discuss as we have stipends available for students, and we have a volunteer opportunities that provide a great way to get in for free!

Once again there will be no tickets sold at the door–and RVAsec has sold out every year–don’t wait!  We are unable to provide refunds due to processing fees. You can, however, easily transfer your ticket to another person.

Register now!

RVAsec 15 CFP is now open!

January 20, 2026
AnnouncementCFP

Click here to submit a talk to the CFP!

The call for papers for RVAsec 15 is now open!

RVAsec 15: June 9-10, 2026

CFP Submission Deadline:  March 22, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern

RVAsec is a Richmond, VA based security convention that brings top industry speakers to the midatlantic region. Last year, RVAsec attracted over 900 security professionals from across the country. For 2026, the conference is a two day and three track format, with a mixed focus on technical, management/business and 101 presentations.

Information:

  • Conference location: Richmond, VA
  • Dates: June 9-10, 2026
  • All talks must be 50 minutes in length
  • Presenters will need to select Technical, Business/Management, or 101 tracks.
  • While we welcome foreign speakers, we are unable provide sponsorship for entry to the U.S.

The following types of presentations will not be accepted:

  • Sales or marketing for companies or products
  • CFP submissions from in-house or agency PR/marketing professionals
  • Talks which do not offer new insight or perspective

RVAsec will hold no copyright on presentation content, but all speakers will be required to provide approval to post slides and video recordings of the talk on the RVAsec or other web sites.

Speaker Perks

  • Free admission to RVAsec
  • Invitation to the RVAsec speaker dinner/party
  • RVAsec T-shirt, badge & attendee swag bag
  • One 50% off pass for a friend or co-worker
  • Fame and glory, internet style!
  • Opportunity to be the recipient of the RVAsec “STFU” sign

For more information and requirements, or to submit, please visit: https://cfp.rvasec.com/

Click here to submit a talk to the CFP!

Hack Hunger

November 23, 2025
Announcement

DONATE

Alright folks, this holiday season we’re proud to share our love with Feed More in their fight against hunger.

RVA.js has thrown the gauntlet down & RVAsec is joining them and other RVA tech groups and challenging our members to patch the hunger bug.

Whether you’re a hacker, auditor, sys admin, cyber marketer, recruiter, or just a security nerd like most of us, you can probably spare a few bucks to feed a family. So lets show the other Richmond tech groups the cyber security folks mean business. In the immortal words of Crash Override–FEED THE PLANET!

$10 = 40 meals. That’s a better ROI than any bug bounty, pentest, AI jailbreak, or Big Four report, and feels a whole lot more satisfying.

>> CLICK now and DONATE before that next meeting <<

Feed the Planet!

RVAsec 15 – Save the Date!

June 25, 2025
AnnouncementConference

We’re turning 15 — and you’re invited to the celebration.

RVAsec 15 will be held on June 9-10, 2026, once again at the Downtown Richmond Marriott. Mark your calendars now — this is going to be the big one.

Over the past 15 years, RVAsec has grown from a local gathering to one of the premier cybersecurity events on the East Coast. We’ve hosted world-class speakers, pulled off legendary parties, sparked fierce CTFs, and built a community we’re incredibly proud of. Year 15 will honor that legacy–and raise the bar.

Location:
Downtown Richmond Marriott
500 East Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia, USA 23219

Sponsorships are already underway! If you’re interested in sponsoring RVAsec 15, please contact us as soon as possible — space will fill fast for this milestone year.

If you haven’t experienced RVAsec before, now’s your chance to see what it’s all about.

Catch the vibe on our YouTube channel, join our Discord server, sign up for the monthly meeting mail list, and make plans to be part of the RVAsec story!

Let’s make RVAsec 15 unforgettable.

RVAsec Discord: Old Server, New Life

June 23, 2025
Announcement

Today we’re officially launching the RVAsec Discord as the year-round home for our community—a place to connect, share, ask questions, post spicy takes, and continue the hallway track long after the conference ends.

We actually created the RVAsec Discord server back in August 2020. And… well… we never really did much with it. Like many great ideas from the pandemic era, it quietly existed in the background, untouched and unloved. Until now.

💬 What’s Inside?

We’ve built out a bunch of useful (and fun) channels, including:

  • #general-talk – the main hub for conversation
  • #general-conf-discussion, #cfp-discussion – for conference discussion and future speakers to get feedback
  • #monthly-social and #events – to keep up with and discuss our regular meetups
  • #infosec-chat, #red-team, #blue-team, #osint – for your technical fix
  • #jobs-and-gigs, #mentorship, #local-richmond – because RVA is home for many
  • And yes, there’s even a #bbq-and-bourbon channel (you knew that was coming!)

🧠 Why Join?

Because RVAsec isn’t just a yearly conference—it’s a community. And it’s a community that expands far beyond Richmond, VA. Yes, we come together every June, sure. But we also host monthly social meetups, organize occasional focused events, and now have a space where we can all stay connected in between with our friends and colleagues around the world.

No matter where you are on your security journey—just starting out, leveling up, or deep in the trenches—this is your space.

🔗 How To Join

🚪 Join us: https://discord.gg/gjD9dhBStN

  1. Head to the Discord server
  2. Read the #welcome-and-rules
  3. Say hi in #intros
  4. Jump into #general-talk and start posting

See you there!

RVAsec 14 “Passport for Prizes” Contest!

June 2, 2025
AnnouncementEvent

We are once again having the Passport for Prizes event at RVAsec! This event gives you the opportunity to win some awesome prizes from our participating sponsors. 

Visit 15 sponsor’s tables and get their initials or signature in the corresponding box. When completed, return your entry to registration for a chance to win.

Note: Your business information must be complete to be eligible*, and you must be present at the reception on Wednesday to win.

    • RVAsec “Mystery Bags” (2)
    • Advanced Logic – Apple Homepod Mini
    • Axonius – JBL Tune 660NC Wireless Headphones 
    • Blue Bastian – Flipper Zero
    • BullWall – LEGO: Star Wars Set
    • Checkpoint – Bose Waterproof Speakers
    • Corelight – LEGO: Star Wars Chopper Astromech Droid
    • Cyberark – Maui Jim Gift Card
    • Cyberhaven – AirPods Pro 2
    • Dragnet Cyber – LEGO: Technic NASA Mars Rover
    • Fortinet – Apple TV
    • Gigamon – Backpack cooler with Amazon GC, Emergency Car Tool, and more
    • Guidepoint Security – $100 Amazon Gift Card
    • Illumio – Bose Speaker
    • LayerX – Meta Ray Ban Glasses
    • Netskope – Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker
    • Oligo Security – Nepresso Veruo Machine & Pods 
    • Ox Security – Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker
    • Rotas Security – $150 Amazon Gift Card
    • Rubrik – YETI Hopper Flip 8 Soft Cooler
    • Secure Ideas – LEGO: Shuttle Carrier Aircraft
    • Semperis – Hydro Flask 20L Backpack Cooler
    • Sentinel One – JBL Black Flip 5 Speaker
    • Snyk – Apple AirPods
    • Specter Ops – Ember Mug
    • sumo logic – Electric Scooter
    • Veem – $150 Visa Gift Card
    • VERITI – LEGO: Mario Kart Set

* Note: Contact information will be shared with Passport sponsors.

Lockpick Village & Contest Sponsored by Rotas Security

May 28, 2025
AnnouncementConference

Join us at the RVAsec Lockpick Village! 

Test your skills on a range of locks, including mini-doors, from easy to challenging, with a variety of picks at your disposal. There might even be a full size door as well. =)

Never picked a lock? Fret not! We have very beginner-friendly options available, as well as instructors to assist in your lockpicking education and adventures.

Think you’re a top-notch picker or want to challenge yourself? Then plan to enter our timed contest! Race through a series of locks and compete for the fastest time to win a prize.

To ensure everyone’s safety, we’ll provide hand sanitizer for use while you explore the ancient art of lockpicking.

Come by and have a blast with the team!

Rotas Security provides focused offensive cybersecurity solutions fortifying the security posture of organizations. We are experts in adversarial simulation, advanced persistent threat emulation, penetration testing, red teaming, attack surface analysis, and threat hunting.

Rotas Security

Still Need a Room and a Ticket? The RVAsec 14 Hotel Package Is Your Lifeline

May 27, 2025
AnnouncementHotel

The hotel block is officially closed—but don’t panic if you dropped the ball. If you’ve been slacking and didn’t grab a room (or even a ticket), the RVAsec Hotel Package is here to save the day.

This is hands down the most affordable and stress-free way to attend RVAsec 14, and it gets you way more than just a bed and a badge.

Here’s what’s included in the $650 RVAsec Marriott Hotel Package:

  • Two-night stay at the Richmond Marriott Downtown (6/2 and 6/3) — includes taxes and fees
  • Full RVAsec conference pass — two days of top-tier talks, keynotes, meals, snacks, drinks, CTF, lock picking and events
  • Guaranteed custom HackRVA electronic badge — the only way to lock one in
  • Official RVAsec T-shirt & swag bag
  • Entry into all events, including the after party, Capture the Flag, and more

💥 That’s over $1,000 worth of value for just $650.

There’s a very limited number of these packages left, and once they’re gone, they’re gone. Buying one now isn’t just smart—it’s a big way to support RVAsec and help keep this community-run conference going strong.

Remember:

  • No tickets at the door.
  • No hotel discounts left.
  • And no better deal exists.

So don’t wait. Don’t overpay. Don’t end up across town in a sketchy motel.

🎟️ Grab the Hotel Package now and lock in your best RVAsec experience:
👉 Register Now

Capture The Flag (CTF) Run By MetaCTF and Sponsored By CoreLight

May 26, 2025
AnnouncementCTF

The RVAsec Capture the Flag (CTF) competition is once again run by MetaCTF and sponsored by Corelight!

CTFs are a hands-on cybersecurity competition where participants solve a variety of challenges designed to simulate real-world security scenarios. They are a fun and immersive way to learn new skills. This year’s event will be jeopardy-style, and it’s perfect for participants of all skill levels. If you’ve never participated in a CTF before, this is a perfect one to try! Our team will be there to help you get started and offer hints.

You can compete solo or in a team of up to 4. You will need a laptop. Categories include web exploitation, binary exploitation, OSINT, reverse engineering, cryptography, forensics, and more. You might also get points for doing other things at the conference like lockpicking and hacking the badge.

This year the CTF once again is being held in the middle of the Expo hall. The action and energy last year was amazing and we expect the same again this year!

Tuesday: 1 PM to 4 PM – CTF prep, stop by the CTF area anytime

Wednesday: 10 AM to 3 PM – CTF

You’ll need a laptop to participate. We have over $2,000 in prizes, plus free training and 2026 RVAsec conference tickets. 

Check out https://metactf.com/prep for additional preparation instructions.

If you like to come prepared, check out practice challenges and solutions at https://mctf.io/practice

MetaCTF is a cyber skills platform that helps companies assess, recruit, retain, and upskill cyber talent. We specialize in competition-based exercises, such as on-demand labs, traditional jeopardy-style CTFs, and attack & defense CTFs that can be used for tool/skill training, secure coding, security awareness, and more. If you’re interested in hands-on exercises or labs for your team, reach out to us at contact@metactf.com or learn more at https://metactf.com/

🎤 Announcing Our Hacker Trivia Showdown Master of Ceremonies: G Mark Hardy Returns to RVAsec!

May 14, 2025
After PartyAnnouncement

We’re thrilled to announce that G Mark Hardy—a legend in the infosec world—is our Host and Master of Ceremonies for the Hacker Trivia Showdown at this year’s RVAsec After Party!

If you’ve ever been to DEF CON, you already know the name. G Mark not only competed in Hacker Jeopardy, but later took the reins as organizer and master of ceremonies, bringing wit, knowledge, and unforgettable stage presence to one of the con’s most iconic events. And now, he’s bringing to life our version at RVAsec.

G Mark is no stranger to our stage—he’s a former RVAsec keynote speaker and a trusted voice in the cybersecurity community. With his help, we’re bringing RVAsec’s own flavor to a time-honored hacker tradition: fast-paced trivia, fierce team competition, and a healthy dose of snark—all with an RVAsec twist.

Whether you’re packed with security knowledge, loaded with random facts, or just want to cheer from the sidelines, not only can you enjoy the show with a drink in hand—you’ll also be able to participate, help the teams, and even win prizes yourself. We’ll be looking for teams of 3 to compete, so start thinking now about who you want on your squad—and who’s got the brains, the reflexes, or just the best hacker-themed team name.

👉 Make sure you register now for the After Party:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rvasec-14-after-party-hacker-trivia-showdown-tickets-1338099966019

Don’t miss this. G Mark’s bringing the questions. The mic. The buzzers. The snark. All we need is you and your team ready to throw down.

About G. Mark Hardy

G. Mark Hardy closes the gap between security issues and Return on Investment (ROI) because he is fluent in business and security issues. He was hand-picked to address the top executives of Fortune 1000 firms across the country in small group settings addressing an enterprise-wide accountability approach to security.

Comfortable in front of large audiences of technologists and at home with C-level executives, G. Mark Hardy can reach your audience effectively every time.

G. Mark Hardy has been providing information security expertise to government, military, and commercial clients for over 25 years. A long-standing industry veteran, he is a perennial speaker at major industry trade shows. As president of National Security Corporation, he directs the efforts of the information security consulting firm he founded in 1988.

Mr. Hardy’s professional background includes information security planning and policy development, managing security assessment and penetration teams, data encryption and authentication (including “breaking” commercial cryptographic algorithms), software development and strategic planning for e-commerce, and writing commercial risk assessment software. He has developed information security plans for four U.S. Military commands, and wrote the communications security encryption requirements for an experimental military satellite program.

G. Mark is a founding member and on the Advisory Board of the National CyberWatch Center (www.nationalcyberwatch.org).