Talks to Watch

[HOPE X] Elevator Hacking: From the Pit to the Penthouse

40K views · Jul 23, 2014 · 1:55:54 · 4 HN recommenders · 7 mentions · discussed 2014–2023

A HOPE X talk giving an in-depth explanation of how elevators work, from their history in hacker culture to using their control systems to bypass building security. It covers features and abilities of elevators that most people never see.

Why Hacker News points people here: HN commenters call it one of the most entertaining and informative con talks, and a good window into elevators from a hacker's view.

“This version is the best, with all details, no secrets withheld.”HN comment, 2018

What Hacker News said 7

Strongly recommendsalexggordonNov 2014

“It changed my entire view of elevators and if you haven't seen it, I would highly recommend you watch.”

Changed commenter's view of elevators entirely.

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This reminds me of an excellent talk on elevator hacking [0] given by Deviant Ollam and Howard Payne at [HOPE X] a little while ago. It changed my entire view of elevators and if you haven't seen it, I would highly recommend you watch. it [0] this video

in “The Lives of Elevators (2008)” · view on HN
Strongly recommendsnyolfenAug 2015

“one of the most entertaining con panels i've seen, and interesting information on an esoteric topic.”

Entertaining panel on an esoteric topic.

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this reminds me of a truly excellent HOPE X presentation about elevator hacking[0]. one of the most entertaining con panels i've seen, and interesting information on an esoteric topic. [0] this video

in “Remembering When Driverless Elevators Drew Skepticism” · view on HN
Strongly recommendsunixheroAug 2016

“This is my favorite sec-conference video of all time”

Favorite sec-conference video of all time.

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Does anyone know where the Blackhat 2016 videos will be posted? I've always found them incredibly educational. Okay I'll leave something behind as well. This is my favorite sec-conference video of all time: [HOPE X] Elevator Hacking: From the Pit to the Penthouse this video Closely followed by DEF CON 18 - Joseph McCray - You Spent All That Money and You Still Got Owned... link

in “Demystifying the Secure Enclave Processor [pdf]” · view on HN
Strongly recommendsunixheroOct 2018

“This version is the best, with all details, no secrets withheld.”

Best, most detailed version of the elevator talk.

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Elevator Hacking: From The Pit To The Penthouse by Deviant Ollam and Howard Payne this video They've done several iterations of this, including a censored/shorter version for DEFCON 22. This version is the best, with all details, no secrets withheld. I find the content rather stunning, and I've even watched it several times.

in “Ask HN: What are some of the best technical talks you've heard?” · view on HN
RecommendsdanpalmerJan 2023

“gives a lot of insight. All from a hacker perspective, but fascinating and fun.”

Gives insight into elevators from a hacker perspective.

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“From the Pit to the Penthouse” gives a lot of insight. All from a hacker perspective, but fascinating and fun. this video

in “The secret undo codes for elevator floor buttons” · view on HN
Cites itAlbucaAug 2014

Elevator safety sensors detect building sway.

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I completely agree! A few seconds can certainly save one’s life. The main issue is how to broadcast this warning without suffering from any delay or latency... For example, elevators in areas prone to earthquakes have sensors installed that can detect the movement of the building [1]. If it sways too far it will automatically move the elevator (up or down) to get the car as far as possible from the heavy heavy counterweight - as there is the possibility that it could break free and smush the car. [1]Elevator Hacking: From the Pit to the Penthouse - this video

in “Earthquake early-warning system gave 10-second alert before Napa quake felt” · view on HN
Cites ityesenadamNov 2018

“Here's the link to the HOPE X one you mention”

Link to the longer HOPE X talk.

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Ohh thank you! I suspected the one I saw was longer than 1 hour. Here's the link to the HOPE X one you mention: this video

in “An elevator in a Chicago skyscraper fell 84 floors, requiring a dramatic rescue” · view on HN