About us
Chat with us on Discord!
https://discord.gg/8NeSyVVbpy
Our Mission:
At Hackers Guild PGH, our mission is to create a thriving community for cybersecurity enthusiasts, professionals, and learners. We provide a collaborative environment where individuals can sharpen their skills, explore new technologies, and contribute to the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity.
Who We Are:
Hackers Guild PGH was founded by a group of passionate cybersecurity professionals and educators who recognized the need for a hands-on, community-driven space dedicated to cybersecurity training and innovation. Located in Pittsburgh, we serve as a hub for individuals at all levels of expertise—from beginners to seasoned experts—offering a range of resources and opportunities to grow and succeed.
What We Offer:
We offer comprehensive training, state-of-the-art facilities, and a vibrant community to support your cybersecurity journey. Our special events include Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions, hackathons, and meetups, making Hackers Guild PGH the perfect place to connect with like-minded individuals and grow your skills.
Our Vision:
We envision Hackers Guild PGH as a place where the next generation of cybersecurity leaders is born. By providing access to cutting-edge technology, expert-led training, and a vibrant community, we aim to be at the forefront of cybersecurity education and innovation.
Join Us:
Whether you’re looking to start your journey in cybersecurity, hone your skills, or connect with like-minded individuals, Hackers Guild PGH is the place for you. We invite you to explore our offerings, participate in our events, and become a part of a community that is shaping the future of cybersecurity.
Our Commitment:
We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of education and ethical practices in cybersecurity. Through our programs and initiatives, we strive to promote a culture of security awareness, continuous learning, and innovation.
Upcoming events
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MIDI Drum Machines Workshop
Hackers Guild PGH, 2247 Babcock Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA, USSpace is limited. Please register on Eventbrite to reserve your spot: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988863229458
MIDI drum machines are powerful tools for both music production and live performance—but with so many devices and software options available, getting started can feel overwhelming. This workshop is designed to remove that friction and get you creating quickly.
In this hands-on session, you’ll learn the fundamentals of working with MIDI drum machines using Akai’s MPD-218 controller paired with MPC Beats, a free, professional-grade music production platform available for PC and Mac. While the specific tools used in class are Akai-based, the concepts taught are broadly applicable across many drum machines and digital audio workstations.
We’ll start with the essentials: understanding the interface, navigating workflows, and using shortcuts efficiently. As the workshop progresses, you’ll move into crafting your own beats, instrumentals, and even full song arrangements using MIDI hardware.
Along the way, you’ll experience how drum machines dramatically improve creative speed without sacrificing musical quality.Participants will also receive a custom sample pack to experiment with, helping you jump straight into hands-on creation.
This workshop emphasizes learning by doing and is suitable for beginners as well as musicians looking to modernize their workflow or explore performance-oriented production techniques.
Space is limited. Please register on Eventbrite to reserve your spot: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1983895847886
Hardware / Software Used
- Akai MPD-218 MIDI Drum Machine
- Akai MPC Beats (free software)
Prerequisites
- No prior experience required
- Basic familiarity with computers is helpful
What to Bring
- Optional: your own MIDI controller or laptop
- All required equipment is provided on-site
Skill Level
- Beginner to Intermediate
Tags / Categories
- Music Production
- MIDI
- Electronic Music
- Live Performance
- Audio Engineering
## FAQs
Do I need prior music production experience?
No. This workshop is beginner-friendly and starts with the fundamentals.Do I need to bring my own equipment?
No. MPD controllers and PCs with software are provided. You’re welcome to bring your own gear if you prefer.Is the software free?
Yes. MPC Beats is free and available for both PC and Mac.Will this help with live performance as well as production?
Yes. The workshop covers both beat creation and performance-oriented workflows.Are these concepts transferable to other drum machines or DAWs?
Yes. Most techniques taught are broadly applicable across many platforms.2 attendees- $49.00

Intro to Malware Analysis
Hackers Guild, 2247 Babcock Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA, USMalware Analysis: Foundations & First Response
Space is limited, please register at Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1986105260298
When a strange binary shows up on a system, the first few hours of analysis matter. This class walks through the practical workflow used by analysts to build an initial profile of unknown malware safely, methodically, and without jumping to conclusions.
We’ll start with static analysis (file type, strings, packers, imports), move into behavioral analysis inside a controlled lab, and finish with a structured approach for mapping what the sample is trying to do: persistence, exfiltration, C2 activity, privilege changes, and system modifications. By the end, you’ll know how to form an evidence-based outline of how the malware works and how serious the threat might be.
This session is designed for beginners with curiosity, not prior experience.
What you will learn:
How to build a safe malware analysis environment (VM isolation, snapshots, tooling).
How to examine malware using static analysis inside a controlled lab.
Recognizing indicators of packing, obfuscation, or malicious behavior.
How to watch what malware actually does during controlled execution.
How to track filesystem, registry, network, and process behavior.
Understanding persistence mechanisms.
How to produce an “Initial Analysis Report” within the first 1–2 hours.
Ethical, legal, and safety considerations for malware work.
Requirements:A Windows 10 or higher laptop capable of running virtual machines
(Please contact us in advance if assistance is needed with this requirement)*** This class has a limit of 10 people ***
Please see Eventbrite for more information and registration and for Hackers Guild member pricing: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/19887751520161 attendee
Past events
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