# Ben Schmerler 

**Senior Solutions Consultant at Independent Security Evaluators [ISE]**

## About

Ben Schmerler has been helping people manage cybersecurity risks for over 15 years.  His experience ranges from consulting clients on security risk management, to vulnerability testing, to security awareness and more.  He now works with Independent Security Evaluators as Senior Solutions Consultant to guide clients in need of Web Application Security Testing, Penetration Testing, Iot Device Hacking and more along the assessment process by working with them to identify their needs so that true vulnerabilities are identified, assets are protected and ensure that their security strategy achieves their goals.

## Sessions

### Security Theater? More like Security Circus!

**What you will learn:** In 2024, DEFCON relocated to the Las Vegas Convention Center. Many attendees (including Ben and his IoT Village colleagues) stayed at the Hilton Resorts World. Upon arriving, they learned that their rooms along with other guests were subject to physical sweeps from hotel security looking for "hacker stuff". During this talk, Ben will discuss what happened, why it was bad for privacy, and most importantly why this is practice actively hurt the hotel's security posture.

Attendees will learn about things like developing reasonable security policies, how bad security policies can be used against an organization, how average people learn the wrong security lessons from poor policies, and other tips on how to improve security management from plausible risks.

## Speaking At

- [RBLN East 2026 - Washington DC](https://www.rbln.com/events/2026/east)

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*Source: [RBLN (Rebellion) Cybersecurity Conference – Technical Security Event for Hackers, AI Builders & Operators](https://www.rbln.com/speakers/ben-schmerler)*