BSides Peoria - Bradley University

Center for Cybersecurity – BSides Peoria

The Center for Cybersecurity has hosted the BSides Peoria cybersecurity conference at Bradley since its establishment by the Illinois Cyber Foundation in 2023. Each BSides is a community-driven framework for building events for and by information security community members. The goal is to expand the spectrum of conversation beyond the traditional confines of space and time. It creates opportunities for individuals to both present and participate in an intimate atmosphere that encourages collaboration. It is an intense event with discussions, demos, and interaction from participants. It is where conversations for the next-big-thing are happening.

Physical Security Village

The Physical Security Village at BSides Peoria, introduced in 2025, is an interactive space where attendees can explore the hands-on world of physical security. Just like cybersecurity protects digital systems, physical security protects the doors, locks, and barriers we interact with every day. At BSides Peoria, the Village offers attendees a chance to learn, practice, and experiment with the tools and techniques used by professionals in the field.

What You’ll Find in the Village

Lockpicking & Bypass Rigs – Practice the art of opening locks using professional tools, with guidance from experienced mentors.
Hands-On Workshops – Learn techniques used in penetration testing and physical access control assessments.
Practice Rigs for All Levels – From beginner-friendly padlocks to advanced security hardware, we have challenges for every skill level.
Safe, Responsible Environment – We focus on ethical hacking and responsible disclosure, helping attendees understand both the skills and the ethics behind them.

Why It Matters

Physical security is a critical part of the overall security landscape. A well-protected network can still be compromised if someone can walk into a server room, bypass a lock, or access restricted areas. By learning how vulnerabilities in physical systems work, attendees gain a deeper appreciation of how digital and physical security connect.

Who Should Visit?

Newcomers & Students – Learn how locks and bypass techniques really work.
Cybersecurity Professionals – Add physical security to your skillset and see how it ties into your work.
Locksport Enthusiasts – Test your skills and share your passion with the community.

Our Mission

The Physical Security Village exists to educate, inspire, and engage. We want to spark curiosity, promote ethical security research, and build a bridge between the worlds of physical and digital security. Whether you’re picking up a lockpick for the first time or testing your skills on advanced rigs, the Village is your space to explore.

Support the Village

The Physical Security Village is built by volunteers and powered by community support. Donations help us:

Expand our collection of locks, safes, and bypass rigs
Provide beginner-friendly kits for students and newcomers
Maintain and transport rigs for conferences and outreach events
Keep participation free and accessible for everyone

If you’d like to help us grow, please consider making a donation. Your support directly funds the tools, materials, and educational experiences that make the Village possible. Together, we can make the Physical Security Village bigger, better, and open to more curious minds each year.

Contact Us

For more information about BSides Peoria, please reach out directly to the Illinois Cyber Foundation or:

Dr. Jacob Young
Director, Center for Cybersecurity
[email protected]

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