Code Breakers

Welcome to Code Breakers! We are the official local chapter and creator group behind the annual "Code Breakers Challenge" at DEF CON.

For years, we’ve challenged DEF CON attendees to step away from their screens and dive into the history of cryptography. Now, we are keeping the ciphers spinning year-round right here in Las Vegas.

Whether you are a seasoned cryptanalyst, a weekend puzzle enthusiast, or someone who just wants to learn how ancient spies hid their secrets, you've found your crew.

What do we do?
We meet monthly to hang out, socialize, and crack codes. Our meetups are a mix of:
• Hands-on decryption: Bring your pencil and paper. We tackle everything from historical ciphers (Caesar, Vigenère, Enigma) to modern logic puzzles.
• Mini-workshops: Brief, beginner-friendly talks on the history of secret communications and how to break them.
• Community building: Grab a drink or a bite with local hackers, makers, and infosec enthusiasts in a relaxed, low-stakes environment.
• Challenge design: Get a behind-the-scenes look at how we build the puzzles for DEF CON (and maybe even help playtest them!).

Who should join?
Everyone! This group is strictly all-ages and beginner-friendly. You do not need to be a hacker, a programmer, or a math genius to join us. We provide the historical context, the worksheets, and the guidance. The only prerequisites are curiosity and a willingness to learn.

The Grand Finale: DEF CON & The Pool Party
While we have fun all year, everything we do builds toward the Code Breakers Challenge at DEF CON in August. Regular Meetup members will have the chance to help run the event, test the puzzles, or compete to crack "The Triad." And yes, those who conquer the DEF CON challenge (or help us make it happen) secure an invite to our legendary, highly exclusive Saturday Pool Party.

Come for the history, stay for the community, and get ready to crack the code.