Hacker Culture

Aug 28, 2025

Slides

About Us

  • First 2 meetings = intro; then shift into structured cybersecurity topics.
  • Activities:
    • Competitions (CTFs, NCL)
    • Mini challenges (file recovery, exploits)
    • Workshops & hands-on labs (e.g., Weigand systems, lockpicking)
  • Possible goal: host our own competition.
  • Attendance = higher priority for trips/events.

Leadership

  • Noah – President
  • Ethan – Vice President
  • Dane – Treasurer
  • Anika – Secretary
  • Tyler – CTF Chair

TODAY’S TOPIC – Hacker Culture

Definition

  • Original: Making unrelated things work together.
  • Modern: Breaking ciphers, bypassing security.
  • Information wants to be free mentality
  • Debate: “hacker” vs. “cracker.”

History

  • Roots in MIT Tech Model Railroad Club (1940s–60s).
  • Grew into computer tinkering, lockpicking, puzzle-solving.
  • MIT AI Lab → CSAIL was a major hub.
  • Tools/resources: Jargon File, MIT Lockpicking Guide.
  • Parallels: Urbex explorers, ham radio enthusiasts.

Decline

  • Institutional crackdowns (CFAA, CCTV, stronger security).
  • Media portrayal = hackers as “villains.”

Revival & Today

  • Internet (BBS, IRC, textfiles.com) rekindled culture.
  • DEF CON (since 1993) → major hub (attendance limited, costly).
  • Modern groups: niche forums, Urbex, tinkering communities.

Upcoming Events

  • Next Meeting: Alex presenting exploit on tech wireless mics.
    • Live demo + downloadable scripts/tools.
  • Resources:
    • Slides & meeting minutes uploaded regularly.
    • Workshop materials also shared for practice.