BSidesBoulder 2024 - Home Labbing for Fun and Profit

Trevor Steen
Show me a technical interview and I will show you at least one interviewer who is going to ask a candidate about their home lab or “extra-curricular” technical activities. Interviewers often ask candidates about their home lab or what they do outside of work to stay sharp on their technical skills and how to learn new skills. They also often ask this question to gauge “passion” for the field (if such a thing can be truly measured).
But what IS a home lab? What counts? What stands out? Where do I start?
Does a “home lab” conjure images of server racks in your living room? Well, I am here to tell you that it does not need to be anywhere near that complicated (although it certainly can be if you want).