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Boston, Massachusetts US of A

About

Actually "greater" Boston

This page covers Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, …

Why CryptoParty?

Privacy is the space in which ideas are developed, to retreat into whenever you want. This space is not only physical but digital as well. Governments and companies don't want to respect that so we become active ourselves.

What is a CryptoParty?

CryptoParties are free and open for everyone, but especially ​those without prior knowledge, who haven't yet attended one.

CryptoParty is a decentralized movement with events happening all over the world. The goal is to pass on knowledge about protecting yourself in the digital space. This can include encrypted communication, preventing being tracked while browsing the web and general security advice for computers and smartphones. See our slides about threat modeling and passwords here.

To try the programs and apps at the CryptoParty bring your laptop or smartphone.

Upcoming events

Day Date Time Details Location / Address
Monday March 27th, 2017 6-8 pm Privacy at the Border workshop - for International Students Harvard Univ, Longwood Campus, Boston
Wednesday March 29th, 2017 6-9 pm Digital Security 101 The Sprouts 339R Summer Street, Somerville, MA
Friday March 31st, 2017 6-8 pm Privacy at the Border workshop - for International Students Lamont Forum Room, Lamont Library in Harvard Yard (the corner of Quincy & Harvard St)
Wednesday April 26th, 2017 6-9 pm Digital Security 101 The Sprouts 339R Summer Street, Somerville, MA
Friday May 5th, 2017 5-7pm LGBTQ-focused Make Shift Boston South End
Sunday May 21st, 2017 Noon to 6pm Digital Security 101 Together Boston 614 Massachusetts Ave. #203 in Central Sq, Cambridge MA
Saturday June 3rd, 2017 5-7pm LGBTQ-focused Make Shift Boston South End

Schedule

Agenda for the next meeting (we were inspired by Noisebridge):

In the event of no agenda for the specific event, the following is an example agenda

  • Knowing what threats concern you
  • Picking secure passwords
  • Using a password manager
  • Using tor
  • Using signal
  • Encrypting email
  • Id'ing phishing attempts

Also check out EFF's Surveillance Self-Defense Guide.

We are always seeking “Crypto Angels” who would like to share their knowledge and lead small workshops on specific topics. If you're interested in helping out at future events, come on by and meet us!

Contact

If you want to help out with other CryptoParties in New England, join our email list. Anyone who wants to organize CryptoParties and share ideas for making them better is welcome to join.

Medium Link
Email cryptoparty@masspirates.org
Email List join

DIGITAL SECURITY 101

Mass surveillance of the public, targeted surveillance of minorities, corporate surveillance of consumers… It seems like there is a lot to be afraid of these days, with every move we make being tracked and documented for future reference. It's clear that our digital communications are simply not secure unless we go out of our way to defend our human right to privacy.

One way to become strong is to arm ourselves with information and skills. Despite the scary state of the world, there are things we can do to empower ourselves from the surveillance machine: We can embrace cryptography and defend our right to free speech. And what better setting to do that in than to meet other people over a slice of pizza who want to discuss such issues and take action into our own hands?

A CryptoParty (aka Encryption Potluck Night) is a space to hang out and teach each other practical tools of digital security, such as how to set up email encryption on your computer and how to browse the web anonymously. Don't know much about computers? Don't worry! We will use accessible language and help you along every step of the way. Bring your questions. Bringing a computer isn't mandatory to participate. There is lots more conversation to be had as well. We welcome experts and other curious people who want to have detailed, technical conversations about cryptography, computer science, and technology. A goal of the CryptoParty is that people leave with actively implemented encryption tools on their devices to go start using in the real world.

Past Events