Name: [Phoenix, AZ] - 20251204 - HackTheDesert 1.0
Start: 2025-12-04T18:00:00.000Z
Location: Walter Studios

**NOTE**: The host (**Hacker Dojo**) requires attendees to provide their full names and email addresses for pre-registration.

**Abstract**:

This workshop introduces LoRa, a low-power, long-range wireless technology gaining traction in commercial and community networks. Participants will build and flash a LoRa device, then explore Meshtastic to join and create private mesh communities. We’ll set up the firmware build system to customize devices and deepen technical understanding. The session concludes with a red-team exercise that demonstrates how adversaries might exploit LoRa, followed by discussions on defenses and responsible use.

We will then explore a popular community networking application called Meshtastic. Using our devices, we will join the local community network and become familiar with how to locate other nodes and communicate with them. We will then learn how to create a closed community in which only we can participate.

Will then download the Meshtastic firmware build system on our laptops and learn how to build custom firmware.

Finally, we will explore how this technology can be used for red-teaming, considering that the bad guys are already looking for ways to exploit this new and fantastic technology. As part of this exercise, you will hack a remote system miles away using your LoRa node!

For the best experience, participants should bring their laptops and also have access to a LoRa device. If you would like to purchase a LoRa kit, they range in price from $30 (no battery) to $40 (with battery). We only have a few kits available for people to borrow.

If you want to buy the LoRa Kit from us, you can click on this link - https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/lora-meetup

**Speaker**:

**Venky Raju** is Field CTO at ColorTokens, advising CISOs and business leaders on resilient, Zero Trust strategies to stay ahead of AI-enabled cyber threats. With a career spanning embedded systems, cloud-native platforms, and global networks, he brings a unique lens to securing complex environments. Previously, Venky was a founding member of Samsung Knox, the groundbreaking Android security platform protecting billions of devices. He is a named inventor with multiple patents and holds CISSP and CCSP certifications. He is also passionate about giving back through hackerspaces and maker communities.

Pacific Hackers Meetup

Pacific Hackers Association

Pawel Kordos

Marina 

Brian Ng

Tarnbir

Venky Raju

Evgeny Sudyin

Drew

Dmitry Y.

Sonny

Felipe 

Martha Hirschi

Neill Perry

Lucas Stevenson

Sahil Gothoskar

[Mountain View, CA] - 20251115 - Red-Teaming with LoRA 101

Hacker Dojo

📢 Exciting News for the Cybersecurity Community in Arizona! 🌵💻

Get ready to ignite your skills and connect with fellow innovators at the inaugural [HackTheDesert Conference](https://www.linkedin.com/company/hackthedesert-conference/), coming to Phoenix, Arizona, on December 4th!

Join us at the vibrant Walter Studios for a day packed with cutting-edge talks, hands-on workshops, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned cybersecurity professional, a budding enthusiast, or a tech leader looking to stay ahead of the curve, HackTheDesert is the place to be.

Follow [HackTheDesert.org](http://hackthedesert.org/) to stay updated.

**You can purchase the tickets at**

**Eventbrite**: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hackthedesert-10-tickets-1588400782499?aff=erelexpmlt

**Luma**: https://lu.ma/hackthedesert-1.0

We can't wait to welcome you to the desert for this exciting new cybersecurity event!

Jen 

Drake Leier

Jugal Patel

Chris Barnes

Steven Whedbee 

Matt Rottinghaus

Saad

Erika E.

NinjaJen

[Phoenix, AZ] - 20251204 - HackTheDesert 1.0

Walter Studios

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