[ILUG-Cochin.org] ILUGC @ Information Security Exhibition

[Sameer Mohamed Thahir]

Hello All,


We had put up a stall as part of the Information Security week on 08 and 
09 august 2008.
Although it was at a very short notice we were able to make best use of 
the time and facilities
provided to us.

First of all, we have to Thank the Kochi City Police Cyber Cell, 
especially Mr Manu,
for providing us with all the facilities and encouraging us.

It was his interest which made us to start on friday although we planned it
on saturday.

And thanks to Mr IB Manoj for giving our contact information to the 
organizers.
We must also thank Mr Sudheesh and all the organizers including that of 
Asian School of
Cyber law.

Exhibition on Information Security -2008 by Kochi City Police Date  : 08 
- 09 August 2008
Time  : 10 am - 7:30 pm
Venue : Marine Drive, Ernakulam
Stall : 34
Visitors : Approx 80

Event Details

The first day saw only few people visiting the stall, although we were 
able to provide
sufficient information, even with limited resources, as we hadnt planned 
for the programme
on friday. We had an ltsp setup and a hardened gnu/linux distribution up 
for demo.
Several a3 and a4 posters (about Free Software, Open Source and 
Licenses) including
the flex banners adorned the stall.

Mr Joel, who was an old active member, joined us and we planned to talk 
about security at the user
and enterprise level.

The second day had many ILUG members coming in for conducting the 
programme.

We had few machines not picking up because of earthing problems. 
Unfortunately the ltsp client
went down permanently, but the others machines came back.

We had 3 machines, and two laptops displaying Gnu/Linux desktops,
Applications, Graphics and 3d applications etc.. which was more than 
enough.

We also had prepared handouts, leaflets and posters providing 
information about our activities
and free software in general.

Although Joel was ready with his tips on security and discussing 
security issues,
we really never had audience asking questions that way. What basically 
happened
was awareness.

We had also sold Debian DVDs and Gnewsense CDs to meet the expenses.
A few DVDs and CDs were given free to students.

Joel had taken part in the "capture the flag" contest and again with 
Raju in the Quiz competition.

Jay Jacob handled a seminar at 2pm talking about free software and 
security, with a lukewarm
response, probably the lack of audience caused this.

The crowd increased by evening, although many of them came to the event 
as part of their
evening marine drive stroll.

There were other people related to ILUG who thronged the venue, making 
our stall
buzzing with action.

The outcome was satisfactory, although we had expected a greater turnout.

But anyway this was the first time probably in india, that the police 
had organized an IT
related event, and considering this it was definitely a success for them.

Congratulations to the Kochi city police for this endeavor and hope this 
event
continues every year and is replicated in other districts and states as 
well.

Thanks to ...

Mr Manu from Cyber Cell for providing us this great opportunity.
Mr IBManoj for giving information about ILUG Cochin
Mr Sudheesh from Cyber Cell for the help in organizing
Sreenadh for all round organization, without him the event wouldnt be 
possible
Kurian for sleepless nights for preparing the handouts, notices and 
running around
for purchasing stuff.
Shibin, Sanjai, Raju for working hard at the venue to make things happen.
Joel for coming back to the group after a long time and sharing his 
expertise on the
security aspect at different levels.
Devarajan Sir for taking a few good quality snaps and participating
Shane for the calendars and sharing his experience with all and of 
course the photos.
Suraj Sir for turning up unexpectedly and helping out with everything.
Nimesh, for making the event enjoyable.

And of course Jay Jacob for still keeping ILUG Cochin Running.

The Stall photos are already available at the website.

Hope I have provided all the details :)

The exact turnout at our stall cannot be deduced from the visitors
book. But as per inputs from the members it might be around 80 people 
altogether
for 2 days.

Thank You

Regards
Sameer Mohamed Thahir