[HOPE X] Elevator Hacking: From the Pit to the Penthouse
Why Hacker News recommends it
HN commenters call it one of the most entertaining and informative con talks, and a good window into elevators from a hacker's view.
What it is
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.
Recommended by 4 HN commenters across 5 different months, 2014 to 2023.
What Hacker News said
Strong rec alexggordon · 2014-11 · on “The Lives of Elevators (2008)”
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]
Strong rec nyolfen · 2015-08 · on “Remembering When Driverless Elevators Drew Skepticism”
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]
Strong rec unixhero · 2016-08 · on “Demystifying the Secure Enclave Processor [pdf]”
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]
Strong rec unixhero · 2018-10 · on “Ask HN: What are some of the best technical talks you've heard?”
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.
Recommends danpalmer · 2023-01 · on “The secret undo codes for elevator floor buttons”
“From the Pit to the Penthouse” gives a lot of insight. All from a hacker perspective, but fascinating and fun. [this video]
Cites Albuca · 2014-08 · on “Earthquake early-warning system gave 10-second alert before Napa quake felt”
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]
Cites yesenadam · 2018-11 · on “An elevator in a Chicago skyscraper fell 84 floors, requiring a dramatic rescue”
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]