Event Description

In a world increasingly reliant on digital platforms, privacy is a personal and societal necessity. Online privacy protects individuals from issues such as data misuse and identity theft, ensuring that technologies handle data responsibly and ethically. During Privathon, participants can dive into diverse aspects of privacy, such as developing tools for secure communication, raising awareness about data protection, enhancing transparency in data usage, and crafting solutions that empower users to take control of their digital footprints.

Privathon provides a platform for like-minded individuals passionate about technology to collaborate and develop innovative, feasible solutions to tackle online privacy challenges. Participants will also have the opportunity to attend engaging workshops, hear from inspiring keynote speakers, participate in interactive activities, and explore various booths during the event.

Privathon is a multi-day, in-person hackathon hosted by XD Hacks Mini Vancouver. This event invites high school students from across Greater Vancouver to explore the field of STEAM, inspiring them to use technology to turn ideas into reality while addressing the crucial issue of online privacy.

Hash-cracking and de-anonymization for fun and profit

Description:

What does a dish of chopped potatoes have in common with passwords? Hashing and salting! In this workshop, learn the basics of hash functions, how to crack them using Hashcat, and how to prevent yours from being cracked. In the process, we'll discuss techniques for anonymizing data and simple de-anonymization methods.
Prepare before workshop: Laptop, Python, Hashcat (optional but highly recommended to install in advance)

Callum Barker - Information Security Engineer at Ascinta Technologies

Callum is a Computing Science student at SFU and Information Security Engineer at Ascinta Technologies. While working on his degree, he has made it his mission to complete every course available to him that so much as mentions security or privacy. This journey led him to the newly-formed SFU Cybersecurity Club, of which he is a member of the capture the flag (CTF) team. When he's not juggling work, school, and CTFs, Callum enjoys touching grass by hiking and cycling.

University -> Career

Description:

This workshop is an overview of university majors and their mappings to STEM career paths, and a guide to common working environments in tech. You will explore a dashboard of different ideas based on your preferences and interests. We will also show you how to set up your LinkedIn profile and create your first post.
Prepare before workshop: Laptops, LinkedIn account

Lauren Yip - Mission Science Apprentice at the Canadian Space Agency

Lauren Yip is currently: an aspiring Product Manager, 4th year SFU CS student, and Mission Science Apprentice at the Canadian Space Agency. In the past she has experiences as a Machine Learning Fellow at AI4Good Lab, Cybersecurity Intern at BCHydro, Research Assistant at ROSIE Lab, and Technical Events Coordinator at SFU WiCS. She loves science, art, and tech, and can often be found building projects, painting, writing, reading, and hiking in her spare time.

Executive Team