About Us - DEFCON Toronto (DC416)

Our Story

Founded in 2009, DEFCON Toronto (DC416) emerged as a collective of cybersecurity enthusiasts eager to create a local community that mirrored the innovation, knowledge-sharing, and camaraderie of the global DEFCON conferences.

What began as informal gatherings in university classrooms and local tech spaces has grown into one of Canada's most vibrant and respected cybersecurity communities. Today, DC416 hosts regular meetups, workshops, capture-the-flag competitions, and collaborative projects that bring together students, professionals, researchers, and curious minds from across the Greater Toronto Area.

Our community is proudly vendor-neutral and community-driven. We believe in the power of shared knowledge and collective growth, creating a space where everyone—from novices to seasoned experts—can learn, teach, and advance the field of cybersecurity.

Our Mission

To foster an inclusive, educational cybersecurity community in Toronto that promotes knowledge sharing, skill development, and ethical practices through collaborative learning experiences.

Our Vision

To be a catalyst for cybersecurity innovation and education in Toronto, empowering individuals to protect digital assets and contribute positively to the global security landscape.

Meet the Team

Alexandra Chen

Founder & Lead Organizer

Cybersecurity researcher with 15+ years of experience in penetration testing and security architecture. Alexandra founded DC416 to build a community that makes security knowledge accessible to all.

Marcus Williams

Technical Director

Network security specialist with expertise in threat hunting and incident response. Marcus leads our technical workshops and coordinates our DEFCON CTF team.

Priya Sharma

Community Manager

Security awareness trainer and former educator who bridges technical concepts with practical applications. Priya ensures our community remains inclusive and welcoming to newcomers.

Jordan Nguyen

Events Coordinator

Cybersecurity consultant specializing in social engineering and physical security. Jordan manages our event logistics and creates engaging experiences for attendees.

Our Impact

3,500+

Community Members

200+

Events Hosted

50+

Security Projects

Years of Growth

Community Testimonials

"DC416 completely transformed my career. The skills I learned and the connections I made helped me land my dream job in cybersecurity."

Michael Trudeau

Security Engineer

"As a student, I was intimidated by cybersecurity. DC416 provided a supportive environment where I could learn at my own pace and ask questions without judgment."

Sarah Kim

Computer Science Student