Explore a thought-provoking conference talk from BSides Chicago that delves into the world of information security third-party assessments. Gain insights into the challenges, misconceptions, and potential pitfalls surrounding these assessments in the cybersecurity industry. Discover why the speaker considers them to be a "big joke" and learn about alternative approaches to evaluating security postures. Recorded as part of the BSides Chicago 2014 event, this 30-minute presentation offers a critical perspective on current assessment practices and encourages viewers to reconsider their effectiveness in today's rapidly evolving threat landscape.