Cryptoparty

Update August 2018: A group of sudoers recently met to discuss rebooting digital security workshops. Please join the mailing list for updates and to get involved!

Every Third Sunday of the month from 2-5pm, Sudo Room hosts an afternoon of co-learning and teaching about digital security. The driving motivation of our cryptoparties is to learn about end-user security in a fun, welcoming and inclusive environment. Popular topics include: why digital security is important; strategies for activists and journalists; encrypted email; encrypted text messaging; encrypted phone calls; encrypting your hard drive; off-the-record instant messaging; secure web browsing; mesh networks; and presentations on newer projects. All skill levels welcome - bring your phone and/or laptop!

Anony Zebra, the official Cryptoparty mascot, protecting herself from Stripe Recognition

Archive

Ways To Volunteer For Non Coders

Translation Efforts:

Art:

Writing (documentation + press releases):

General Resources

Recommended Software

Warning: This table is intended as a starting point for new users. Mobile devices (iOS, Android), Web-based solutions, Pidgin, CryptoCat, and ChatSecure all have known flaws or associated risks that need to be considered.

Android iOS Windows OS X Linux Cross-platform or Web
Email K9 ?? Thunderbird+Enigmail GPGSuite Thunderbird, Enigmail Thunderbird, Enigmail riseup webmail
Chat GibberBot, TextSecure (sms) TextSecure (sms) ChatSecure Pidgin, Adium Pidgin CryptoCat
Network Anonymity Orbot, OrWeb Tor Tor Onion Browser Tor Tor
Disk Encryption Available in 4.0+ ?? TrueCrypt Available in 10.7+ LUKS SecureDrop, Tahoe LAFS
Password Management KeePassX, FreeOTP FreeOTP, KeePassX KeePassX KeePassX KeePassX KeePassX

Videos

Books

Online Courses

Hosting A Cryptoparty

  • Cryptoparties are best when some planning takes place before. Hold a planning meeting 1-2 weeks before the event and ping the mailing list to recruit folks who've expressed interest in helping out.
  • There are handouts linked to above that can be printed out at sudo - they generally live in a clear document holder / trapper keeper labelled 'Cryptoparty' located in a crate of other trapper keepers on the middle shelf between the workshop and the bike station in sudo.
  • Try to reach out to communities that should be using crypto and are generally not connected to the sudo room social network. Activists, journalists, immigrants + expats, POC, etc; Consider hosting the cryptoparty in an entirely different location.
  • At least a week before the cryptoparty, get the word out:
  • Come half an hour to an hour earlier to set up:
    • Put the sudo room sandwich board out
    • Tape up some signage on the doors if so inclined (there are some paper signs in the clear trapper keeper)
    • Find a good spot for your expected # of attendees. Check with Public School; often we have split up into several working groups using different areas of the common space, sudo room proper, and the public school room.
  • Starting the cryptoparty:
    • Take notes on the wiki - set up a separate wiki page for that month's event [eg; /wiki/Cryptoparty/YEAR/MONTHNAME
    • Allow 15-30 minutes to get to a good group size to start
    • Go around the room and ask folks to introduce themselves, their level of skill w/ crypto, what they're interested in discussing or working on that afternoon.
    • Create an agenda ad-hoc and split the group as needed (pairs work great for things like helping someone set up disk encryption)
    • Have fun! Encourage wide-ranging discussion but step in if things start to get to technical. Keep focus on those who are newer to the topic and have specific things they want to accomplish.

Flyers and Handouts

Current Flyers

A flyer for hosting a cryptoparty at sudo room every "3rd Sunday":

Historic Flyers

 
Cryptoparty flyer.