Breaking News from Corporate Security Expo! (Netrunner LARP)

Runners Byte Back - Hacking attempts made at Corporate Security Expo

Cass Connor, Independent News

Ineffective security from the Lunar Police Department led to two attempted security breaches at this year's Corporate Security Expo.

Fifteen officials from the "big 4" mega-corporations were in attendance to test the latest and greatest in cyber security technologies. Joined by their executives, each corporation was determined to show that they had the best defense packages. Each package was thoroughly tested throughout the expo by both peers and rivals, who used runner technology to simulate attempted breaches.

Various corporate officials testing their defense packages. Clockwise: Lilith, Ishii, Abigail, Victoria.

Corporation executives. From left: Constantine Paleologue (Jinteki), Calliope Lanthier (NBN), Angus Fields (Weyland), Dr. Adelaide Brook (Haas-Bioroid).

Keeping everything above-board on the day was head judge, Monica Xeres. Despite rumours of corruption and blackmail, Xeres was able to cut through calls from "copyright infringement" to bribery gone wrong to deal with the real issues - such as a Weyland official adding 'A Bomb' to his opponent's deck.

Monica Xeres judging the finals between Ishii and Lifeline.

Coverage on the day was provided by Independent News lead Olivia Moore, who diligently interviewed attendees to get details of triumphant wins, devastating losses, and inter-corporation politics. Moore persevered with her goal of unbiased journalism even with alleged threats from NBN, supposedly with Weyland protection.

Olivia Moore talking with Weyland executive Angus Fields.

However, the presence of so many security professionals didn't deter bad actors looking for a payday. Despite a pre-approval process and security vetting, the LPD - led by convention leader Blaine Scargill and Officer Park Edding - were unaware that two opportunistic runners were present.

Blaine Scargill and Officer Edding.

The first of these attempts was made by bioroid Batchery Grift, who managed to convince attendees that they were a content creator. Grift was also attempting to sell "the latest in hacking technology" to attendees before their hacking attempt. Grift was stopped with the help of Jinteki representative Ishii Renji, after a bounty was put on their head by Scargill. Grift was eventually neutralised by Officer Edding.

Batchery Grift attempting to break into the Lunar PD.

The second attempt was from NBN official Zanth Windfounder, who worked alone with no outside assistance in an attempted hack of the LPD's bank accounts. Although Windfounder made it very clear their attendance was being bankrolled by Daddy and Nanny, this didn't stop them from making away with the LPD's Christmas bonuses before being stopped by Mr Scargill.

Zanth Windfounder talking to spectators whilst attempting to hack into the LPD bank accounts.

Windfounder states that they were convinced to make this attempt by photographer Cass Connor, which is corroborated by numerous witness accounts. However, Connor denies these allegations, stating that he was vetted before the Expo and had no motive. Speaking to Independent News, Connor also states if he had actually been a runner, he would have been successful with his attempt, and provided an exclusive look at the hacking rig which he would have used.

Independent News sends their congratulations to the overall winner, Ishii, for proving Jinteki technology is still superior. Congratulations also to runner-up Lifeline, and finalists Lilith and Victoria.

Netrunner LARP was incredible! Playing hidden runner/ photographer Cass Connor was so much fun, and it was amazing to see everyone's creativity with their characters throughout the event.

Huge thanks to Zack for organising the whole thing, all the crew for being so great and supportive, and all the players who joined in with the madness.

You can find all the photos from the event here!