Defcon's new badge is a security key you can see inside

The Defcon conference introduced its 2026 badge designed by Andrew 'bunnie' Huang, featuring the Baochip-1x, an innovative open-source chip aimed at enhancing security and transparency in computing. This year’s badges prioritize the internal technology over the design, allowing for visual inspection under infrared light. The Baochip-1x is a removable hardware security token, supporting secure authentication and time-based password systems.

It combines a RISC-V core and utilizes resistive RAM for improved data protection. Huang envisions future applications of the chip beyond its current functionalities, encouraging attendees to further develop its capabilities.