Hands-On Privacy: Using the Raspberry Pi to Control DNS and Block Ads

In this short class, students will learn how the Unix shell and DNS tools provide the foundation for managing and securing networks. Using a Raspberry Pi as a hands-on platform, participants will practice essential shell commands, connect remotely with SSH, and explore how domain names and IP addresses work through tools like nslookup and whois. Participants will then be guided step by step through installing and configuring Pi-hole, a powerful DNS-based ad blocker, to stop ads and trackers across an entire network. Students will take home their own Raspberry Pi 3 with Pi-hole installed and configured.

Topics Covered:

• Unix shell basics and Bash
• Secure remote access with SSH
• Using nslookup and whois
• History and role of BIND
• Running your own DNS for privacy on Raspberry Pi
• Installing and configuring Pi-hole
• Challenges from ad tech — and community-driven solutions

Date & Time: Wednesday, March 11th from 7:30pm- 9:30pm (depending on the class size, the session might end earlier around nine)

Cost: $50 for non-members, $45 for HackPGH members
Important: We cannot accept Meetup RSVPs.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER & PAY!
Be advised:

• Payment is due at time of registration. You must notify HackPGH if you wish to pay with cash.
• No-shows will NOT be refunded.
• Please notify us if you cannot attend the class at least 48 hours before the class date!
• If payment is not received 72 hours before class time, your registration will be cancelled and we will move to the waitlist!

Instructor: Jason Lines

Class size: 6 people