Conference Description
Key Takeaways
- Regional cybersecurity conference focusing on social engineering, red teaming, and human-centric security threats
- Keynote presentation by Stephanie “Snow” Carruthers, a recognised expert in social engineering and red team operations
- Topics include OSINT, phishing, vishing, physical security assessments, and attack and defence methodologies
- Designed for security professionals, students, and individuals seeking to enter the cybersecurity field
- Organised as a non-profit community event with emphasis on knowledge sharing and professional development
Introduction
BSidesCache 2026 brings together cybersecurity practitioners, researchers, and aspiring professionals in Logan, Utah, for a conference centred on the human dimensions of information security. As organisations increasingly recognise that technical controls alone cannot prevent breaches, events examining social engineering, human behaviour, and adversarial tactics have become essential forums for security teams seeking to strengthen their defensive posture.
About BSidesCache
BSidesCache operates under the Security BSides model, a global framework of community-driven cybersecurity conferences organised independently in cities worldwide. The Logan event is run by a 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation, reflecting its educational mission rather than commercial objectives. The conference takes place at Bridgerland Technical College, providing a technical education setting appropriate to its hands-on approach.
The 2026 edition features a keynote address by Stephanie “Snow” Carruthers, whose work in social engineering and red team operations has established her as a leading voice on human-factor vulnerabilities. Her presence signals the conference’s emphasis on understanding how attackers exploit psychology, trust, and organisational processes rather than purely technical weaknesses.
Social Engineering and Human-Centric Security Threats
The conference programme addresses several interconnected disciplines within offensive and defensive security. Social engineering remains a primary attack vector for threat actors targeting organisations of all sizes, with techniques ranging from phishing emails to sophisticated vishing campaigns conducted over telephone systems. BSidesCache examines these methods alongside the psychological principles that make them effective.
Red teaming extends beyond technical penetration testing to simulate realistic adversary behaviour, including physical security assessments where practitioners attempt to gain unauthorised access to facilities. This holistic approach helps organisations identify gaps that automated scanning tools cannot detect. The conference also covers Open Source Intelligence gathering, a foundational skill for both attackers conducting reconnaissance and defenders seeking to understand their organisation’s external exposure.
These topics connect through a common thread: security failures frequently originate with human decisions rather than software vulnerabilities. Understanding how employees respond to manipulation, how physical access controls can be bypassed through social pretexts, and how publicly available information enables targeted attacks provides defenders with actionable knowledge for improving security awareness programmes and operational procedures.
Professional Development and Community Building
Beyond technical content, BSidesCache serves as a networking venue for the Utah cybersecurity community and surrounding regions. The conference explicitly welcomes individuals seeking to transition into security careers, recognising that the industry faces persistent workforce shortages. Sessions and informal interactions offer opportunities to learn from established practitioners about career pathways, skill development, and the realities of security work.
Community partners including Tech-Moms and Utah State University’s QANR programme reflect efforts to broaden participation in cybersecurity beyond traditional demographics. This approach acknowledges that diverse perspectives strengthen security teams and that talent pipelines benefit from early engagement with students and career changers.
Who Should Attend
BSidesCache is relevant to security analysts, penetration testers, red team operators, security consultants, and IT professionals responsible for protecting organisational assets. The content also suits security managers and executives seeking to understand the threat landscape their teams face. Students and individuals exploring cybersecurity careers will find the conference accessible, with programming designed to support those earlier in their professional journey.
The regional focus makes the event particularly valuable for practitioners based in Utah and neighbouring states, offering local networking opportunities that complement larger national conferences.