Welcome to the BSides Joburg 2025 CFP (Call for Papers and Workshops)
TL;DR
Event Date: 26 July 2025
Venue: Focus Rooms, Johannesburg
Theme: Shadow Algorithms: Rewriting Realities
CFP Close: 23:59 24 May 2025
CFP Notifications: 1 June 2025
Code of conduct
Recordings of previous years
Our Theme - Shadow Algorithms: Rewriting Realities
The theme "Shadow Algorithms: Rewriting Realities" explores the unseen influence of algorithms in shaping our understanding of the world. These digital mechanisms, often operating in the background, dictate the content we see, the narratives we engage with, and ultimately, our perception of reality. From social media feeds to search engine results, recommendation systems subtly curate information, reinforcing biases, amplifying certain viewpoints, and suppressing others. As these algorithms learn from our interactions, they create personalized echo chambers, where truth becomes subjective and malleable.
This raises critical questions: Who controls these algorithms? What unseen forces dictate the reality we consume? And as machine-driven curation deepens, are we seeing the world as it is—or only as it is being rewritten for us? "Shadow Algorithms" invites us to interrogate these hidden digital forces and reclaim agency over our own realities.
While talks that align with our theme are preferred, we welcome all research and talks that cover other topics in the cybersecurity realm.
About BSides
Born in 2009, BSides Security Conferences are community-driven events for cybersecurity professionals. They offer a welcoming space for individuals to present research, ideas, and experiences, fostering dialogue and collaboration beyond the limitations of larger conferences.
Each BSides event is unique, reflecting the local cybersecurity landscape and fostering community engagement through presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities. This makes them valuable for both seasoned professionals and newcomers alike.
BSides Joburg is a volunteer-run, community-supported non-profit organization formed to organize an annual event that provides a platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas in cybersecurity, promoting education, networking, and collaboration among professionals and enthusiasts in Johannesburg, and nurturing a community dedicated to advancing information security.
We aspire to advocate for ethical cybersecurity practices, raising awareness about digital security issues, and providing a platform for open dialogue and knowledge sharing among experts and novices alike. We aim to offer accessible, high-quality opportunities for learning and growth in cybersecurity, helping to build a strong, skilled workforce prepared to tackle future security challenges.