Wisconsin Women's Health Foundation

Wild West Hackin' Fest (WWHF) is more than just a cybersecurity conference; it is a community-driven gathering that traces its roots back to a simple wager. The story began with a bet between John Strand, a renowned security instructor and founder of Black Hills Information Security, and his wife, Erica Spurrier. Erica challenged John, believing that if he hosted a security class in their hometown of Deadwood, South Dakota, people would be willing to travel there to attend. John accepted the challenge, and what was initially conceived as a single class quickly evolved into a full-fledged conference, proving Erica right and launching a new tradition in the information security world.

Since its inception in 2017, WWHF has grown into a premier event for infosec professionals, known for its unique 'Wild West' theme and welcoming atmosphere. Organized by Black Hills Information Security, the festival aims to lower the barrier to entry for beginners while providing advanced, cutting-edge content for seasoned veterans. The event features a mix of technical talks, hands-on workshops, and interactive labs, covering topics from red teaming and penetration testing to blue team defense and threat hunting. Beyond the technical sessions, WWHF places a strong emphasis on community building, offering networking opportunities and social events that foster connections among attendees. With both in-person events in Deadwood and other locations, as well as virtual participation options, WWHF continues to expand its reach, ensuring that high-quality security education is accessible to a global audience.