So here’s an idea…
Since many of us are in agreement that security vendors should have booth displays at security cons that reflect the strength of their technology instead of resorting to booth babes and trashy signs, why not do a little something to hold their feet to the fire?
Let’s have a contest at each conference for sleaziest booth. The vendor who wins gets a design-to-be-determined award sure to amplify their embarrassment and encourage them to grow up.
Thoughts?
Update from James:
Took a picture of the Fortinet booth babes, posted it to twitter with an unhappy commentary… and took a hell of a lot of complaining from men who seem to think there is no problem. Sad display put on by everyone who commented negatively.
The BoothBabe name and shame happens again #blackhat2014 — Fortinet uses booth babes. pic.twitter.com/bjOnMeyIlC
— James Arlen (@myrcurial) August 6, 2014
Gross and tasteless. Who comes up with this crap?
It’s a used hardware vendor. I don’t see booth babes, only a poster. Do security conferences also require you to leave your sense of humour at the door and write to the Internet about it?
FWIW, we (Black Hat organizers) made this vendor change their sign because it violates our Code Of Conduct. We really want to have an inclusive community, and we’re sorry they ever got to post it in the first place.
This is a show in Vegas correct? Must not be that exciting if this is whats causing a stir.
For what it’s worth, I am pretty sure that tag line was stolen from an ad for used Aston Martin’s. In the original context it made sense. For Cisco routers? Not unless industry standard packet switching turns you on.
Nothing kills the mood like a packet collision
I’m confused by the sense of humor comment. The part wherein you judge how hot a babe is if you would screw her, even if you weren’t her first, not actually a joke. It’s got layers of other things it is saying at the same time, none of which bode well for any women or for the taste of the men or women who choose them as sexual partners. Really, it demeans everyone it refers to. Not seeing the funny side of that one. But I’d love to hear an explanation of why it is funny so I can appreciate it better.
Appearently women in booths on blackhat are now required to wear a niqab, preferably with gloves as well