(Image source: DEFCON)

BY TRACY PFEIFFER

ANCHOR JIM FLINK

You're watching multisource tech news analysis from Newsy.

If it has anything to do with technology -- from credit cards to laptops -- you’re gonna want to leave it at home.  That’s the warning journalists got before heading out to the Defcon 2011, the world’s largest hacking convention.

Not to worry, though.   These are so-called “white hat” -- or benevolent hackers -- are joining together for good times, competition, and to show the rest of the world their epic fails at cyber security. (Video: NBC)

But with some 10,000 hackers at one hotel -- it wasn’t long before they got into some shenanigans.

“Within hours of the conference opening, hackers had interfered with the software controlling the lifts and, allegedly, ATM machines, poker machines, the public address system and lighting at the venue.” (The Conversation)

Highlights of the conference -- include a 10-year-old girl -- call name CyFi -- who says she found what’s called a “zero-day flaw” in iOS and Android games that rely on a play clock to advance.

She didn’t name any games specifically -- but reports hint one affected title may or may not involve waiting for crops to grow and finding lost brown cows. (Image: CNET)

CyFi told CNET she isn’t revealing the titles’ names because she wants to give the companies a chance to fix the flaws first.

And speaking of surprisingly young hackers -- this year’s conference had its first “Defcon Kids Village” -- which is exactly what it sounds like.

“The sessions include teaching kids how to hack hardware, software and websites and also teach them how to pick locks and orchestrate social engineering attacks. Even the US National Security Agency, which recruits talented hackers from the convention, has put on a cryptography exhibition for the children.” (ITProPortal)

But another event raised more serious concerns. A so-called “social engineering” contest challenged participants to get information from major corporations -- that would leave them open to a cyber attack.

The catch: they had to do it by talking, not hacking.

“Contestants had to get specific information from their targets, including how the outfit backs up and secures its data, wireless network use, and the names of companies that provide on-site security, toner and copier paper.” (Tech Eye)

Reuters reports -- the hackers found it quote- “ridiculously easy.”

Target corporations included Apple, ConAgra, and Delta Airlines -- and apparently tech company Oracle gave up the most information.

The contest -- much like CyFi’s discovery of a game flaw -- all lead back to why Defcon’s hackers are the “white” hats.

They’re hacking -- for fun -- and to show people how to avoid the black hats.

“What the security researchers have highlighted is that firms need to spend a great deal more time and money on training front line staff to be aware of such tactics. Although information given out through social engineering might on its own seem inconsequential, in some cases it can provide the 'in' that hackers are looking for.” (The Inqurier)

Speaking of technology: Newsy is constantly making improvements to our mobile apps. Please be sure you've updated to the newest version!

'Like' Newsy on Facebook for updates in your news feed.

Get more multisource video news analysis from Newsy.

Transcript by Newsy