Fashioning the Future With: BiaSciLab

Ever played capture the flag on the computer? Put a white hat on to test web security? Revealed election vulnerabilities at DEF CON? Today's interviewee has. That's right, we've got BiaSciLab on the blog today! BiaSciLab is the thirteen-year-old cybersecurity sensation who founded Girls Who Hack, an organization dedicated to: "Teaching girls the skills of hacking so that they can change the future." Girls Who Hack offers a variety of courses and fosters a community for girls who want to learn how to hack — meaning they want to solve problems by using their technical expertise. Often called "ethical hackers" or "white hats," BiaSciLab's brand of hacker is the computerhero you want on your side to keep the nefarious hackers or "black hats" at bay.

About those election vulnerabilities…At DEF CON 26, BiaSciLab was one of the first to hack into a mockup of the voting website, highlighting the security flaws. Because of this feat, BiaSciLab was invited to speak to Congress about election cybersecurity. In addition to speaking in D.C., BiaSciLab frequently gives talks at conferences including DEF CON, Youth Conference of Network Defenders, H.O.P.E, and recently at Cyber Maryland and DefCamp Romania. Notably, she often breaks records as the youngest person speaking at these events. Computer-coding cantaloupe, how cool is that?!

Not only is BiaSciLab a seasoned hacker, but she's also a maker — she created an invention called WaterBot and is a pro with a soldering iron.   In addition, BiaSciLab did not stop with just hacking into the election website, she's set out to fix it. She's currently working on Secure Open Vote, a new election system to keep democracy — and by extension the world — safe! It's no surprise that BiaSciLab has been featured by outlets including The New Yorker and BBC News.

We were thrilled to ask BiaSciLab all about hacking, who inspires her, and whether or not we should worry about the electrical grid being compromised. Meet BiaSciLab, hacker out to save the world!

When did you first know you were a scientist?

I first knew I was a scientist when I was 9 years old at a hacker conference, H.O.P.E., Hackers On Planet Earth — one of the oldest hacker conferences. There I met biohacker Sebastian Cocioba from Binomica Labs. I started talking to him about a science fair project I had to do, and he told me I should research a plant called Oxalis stricta because there is not much information on the plant. After we started working together on the research project, I learned a lot about chemistry, biology, and even astronomy! It was then I knew this would be a lifelong passion.

When did you first get into coding/hacking?

I started getting into coding and hacking when I was in first grade. My dad introduced me to the Super Scratch Programming Adventure! book, (No Starch Press) which I loved! I also started going to hacker conferences like Bsides, H.O.P.E., and DEF CON with my dad. Bsides Delaware was my first hacker conference — and the friendly family atmosphere, fun CTFs, and the kid track were so awesome that it made me go to more conferences and learn all I could about computer security.

Do you consider yourself more of a coder or a hacker?

I am more of a hacker than a coder. I find I enjoy the puzzles and challenges that hacking has to offer. However, I do write code for electronics and hacking tools!

What is your favorite thing about hacking?

My favorite thing about hacking is that there are so many varieties of hacking: web applications, networks, cars, even people! The world of hacking is so big and changes so fast that you can spend your whole life learning, but you will never know it all.

What do you think people misunderstand most about cybersecurity?

The biggest misunderstanding is that 'all hacking is bad.' Many hackers are just curious and interested in how things work and how to break them. Others want to help companies become more secure to keep the bad hacker out.

What inspired you to start Girls Who Hack?

So many girls out there want to start in computer security, but it is so big that most don't know where to start. Girls Who Hack is giving a chance for all girls to start off on the right foot. One of my biggest inspirations is Reshma Saujani, the author of Brave, Not Perfect and CEO of Girls Who Code.

What plans do you have for Girls Who Hack in the future?

We are working on more classes — including Networking and How Networks Work. I feel this is really important in helping understand how systems talk to each other. We have a soldering class, but I want to add hardware programming as well, so there is more exposure to all kinds of tech.

You run all kinds of cool events at places like DEF CON. Can you tell us what you enjoy most about these events, such as your recent CTF challenge?

I have always enjoyed doing CTFs and other challenges at conferences, so I thought I would build my own. At DEF CON 27, I thought I would just build a simple small business network and see if the hackers could break into it. After 4 days, no one was able to! Next year I will be bringing parts of the election system I am building, Secure Open Vote, to see how it holds up against the best hackers in the world!

You’re an outspoken advocate of Diversity and Inclusion in tech. When did you first become a proponent of this awesome cause?

Who you are or where you came from should never be a barrier in anything — especially tech. Having diversity in tech is very important because it brings in many opinions and different views to the problem.

What do you enjoy most about sharing your knowledge and experiences in the forum of public speaking?

Showing people that a 13-year-old can give talks and hack things will hopefully inspire others to do it. I also think people pay better attention to the important topics I speak about like diversity and election security.

Do you ever worry about catastrophic hack like the taking down of the electrical grid, etc?

If we are ever in a war, it will also be a cyber war. So, it is very important that we get more people into cybersecurity so that we have more defenders!

What’s your advice for other young people who want to learn about coding and hacking?

Four words: Just GO FOR IT! There are many free online resources to learn coding and hacking along with local hacker groups like DEF CON Groups and 2600 meetings. Most are very excited to share their knowledge with the upcoming generations.

Following that, how can older generations (millennials and up) support young women in tech?

They can take their daughters or granddaughters to security conferences and support what they want to do! They can also support and teach classes at conferences with kid tracks. Most of all they can support women and minorities in tech by being champions at their workplaces, this will help pave the way for future generations!

What is your ideal career path?

I have Girls Who Hack, Secure Open Vote, my talks, and my inventions, so I am just going to keep on doing things I enjoy and see where it takes me!

Are you hosting any upcoming events in the new year that you’d like to tell us about?

Girls Who Hack has big plans this year! I’m teaching my Building a Home Lab and Introduction to Web Application Hacking classes, Beginning Soldering, Beginning Python for Hackers — and I’m most excited for our new Staying Safe Online class that we are doing! These classes will be available at conferences and at locations such as libraries and community centers.

Do you have any favorite fictional hacker characters in books/movies/ other art forms?

When I was younger, I heard that one of my favorite scientists, Bill Nye, wrote a book called Jack and the Geniuses at the Bottom of the World, and my favorite character was Ava who was this cool smart hacker and programmer girl. Lex Murphy from Jurassic Park, I like how she just fearlessly jumps in and saves the day!

What are some hobbies you enjoy?

I like fencing, felting, archery, baking, interior design, writing, reading, acting, and tennis.

If you were a superhero, what would your go-to wearable tech device be?

One of my favorite superheroes is Bat Girl, so definitely a utility belt with all gadgets included — and I would definitely have my lock picks at the ready!

Where can people find you and Girls Who Hack online?

www.GirlsWhoHack.com is where all the online classes will be. www.BiaSciLab.com is where you can find when/where I’m speaking and teaching next. And, of course, @BiaSciLab and @GirlsWhoHack on Twitter (that’s where all the security and hackers are) and BiaSciLab on Instagram. We also have Girls Who Hack TikTok that we will be doing some quick security related video on! Don’t forget my @SecureOpenVote project too! www.SecureOpenVote.com