Here is a handy guide to get you familiar with Discord and the DEF CON Discord in particular, in preparation for DEF CON 28 Safe Mode!
Step 0
Human Intro
Welcome to DEF CON Safe Mode!
The social aspect of DEF CON this year will occur within the Official DEF CON Discord server.
We have set up the digital experience for you to be as similar to the IRL experience (there is even a “linecon” chat channel).
Since we can’t be in Vegas together, we can at least be “hacking at home together”.
Things like Villages, Contests & Events, Arts & Entertainment all have their own social areas. Within these areas, there are separate channels for various things, like CTFs, chat, broadcasting, contests, workshops, etc.
Just like usual, there are Discord Goons, and we have added additional Moderators. Both will help keep things working smoothly and assist as needed.
Click “Register” if you do not already have an account.
Enter your details and continue.
Step 2: Verify your email address so you can interact with the server
Until you verify your email, you will not be able to chat or interact with the server.
Please verify your email now.
We are sure you’ve done this 10000000 times, but we want to make sure it’s clear...
Go to your email and look for an email called “Verify Email Address for Discord”
The body of the message will look something like this:
Click the “Verify Email” button.
You should see:
You’re all set! Continue to Discord and welcome to DEF CON!
There are different instructions for joining if you already have an account or do not already have an account.
Joining From a Discord Client
You must be logged into Discord to join the DEF CON server.
To join the DEF CON Discord server, click the "+" icon at the very bottom of the server list in the bar on the far left.
Then, click “Join a server” on the right:
Paste the DEF CON server link and press Join: DEF CON Server Link: https://discord.gg/defcon
If the invite link does not work, please check out this guide.
If You Just Created Your Discord Account on the Web
If you want to use the web client rather than downloading a native app, then after you create your account, you will see this:
At the very bottom of this dialog box where it says “Have an invite already?”, click “Join a friend on Discord”
You will then see this:
Paste the DEF CON server link and press Join. DEF CON Server Link: https://discord.gg/defcon
If the invite link does not work, please check out this guide.
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Attention:
This next step is VERY important. If you do not do this, you will be booted off the server
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You must now complete the recaptcha within a timely manner
Once you join the server, you MUST review the instructions shown upon joining and complete the CAPTCHA.
Do not start clicking around and looking at channels and stuff. Do the CAPTCHA first!!!
When you first join the server, you will see a window that looks a bit like this:
You will receive a customized message that will say:
Now, you need to click on the Direct Message (DM) that was just sent to you.
You can find this and all new DMs in the upper left corner of your screen.
It will look like this:
Click the icon with a “1” on it - this is a DM from one of the Bots that help run the Discord server.
After clicking on the DM, your screen will look like this:
And the message will contain a UNIQUE link for you and you only. DO NOT SHARE THIS LINK.
Click the link.
You will get a pop-up that says:
Click “Yep!”
You will be directed to that URL in your browser.
Review the RULES. These are very important.
Scroll down as you read the RULES and then click the CAPTCHA and then the “Continue” button:
You will see:
Close the browser window and return to the Discord Website or the Discord Client program.
When you return to the Discord client window, you will still be in the DM with YAGPDB.xyz.
You will need to click on the “DEF CON SAFE MODE” icon on the top left side of your window to enter DEF CON!