Have you ever searched for "how to authenticate an API call" and been confused by the dizzying array of techniques, terminology, jargon, and acronyms that come back? This session is designed for anyone that's struggling to make sense of modern authentication options. You'll learn the differences between OAuth, API Keys, HMAC, JSON Web Tokens (JWT), SAML, OpenID Connect, and passkeys using Webauthn. Each technique will be explained in a clear, practical, easy-to-understand way. This session focuses on core concepts, not code, and is accessible to anyone that works with technology.

Modern "smart" homes are dumb; your lights shouldn't stop working because your Internet is down, and your new doorbell shouldn't compromise your network security. A smarter and more secure home doesn't depend on cloud services or a disparate array of apps to function, and it's easier than you might think to achieve total local control. A dash of technical knowledge, a dab of DIY elbow grease, and this session are all you need to get started. In this session you'll learn how to choose and install a local hub, which devices work best (Zigbee vs Z-Wave vs Wifi), and how to integrate lights, plugs, sensors, and switches without the cloud. You'll also learn how to add smart features like remote control and push notifications to your existing "dumb" appliances and how to use voice control without Alexa or Google. Come take a tour through the land of smart, local home automation and stop being dependent on someone else's computers!