LibreTechnica @BSidesDFW 2026

LibreTechnica is hosting a new workshop at BSides DFW! Learn all about self-hosting your own services on any extra computer you have laying around or in the cloud! It will take place on Saturday, November 7, 2026 from 9:30am-4:30pm. Be sure to visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bsidesdfw-2026-tickets-2002676113165 and register. Registration is FREE! Full details at https://www.bsidesdfw.com

Description

You don't need expensive hardware to run a server. In fact, any old laptop or PC can be used to securely host a wide variety of services in your home for free! Or for the cost of a virtual private server, you can have your own cloud storage, search engine, or video chat service that doesn't sell your personal data to advertisers.

At this BSides workshop, you will get hands on experience with installing a server OS on a virtual machine, setting up a virtual private server, and installing a variety of applications for yourself, your family, or your organization.

Already savvy on setting up a server? Then join the afternoon sessions where we discuss overlay networks and advanced security hardening! This workshop has a unique format in that participants can learn about a variety of topics at different times throughout the day.

Workshop Activity Schedule

9:30 - Self Hosting Overview
Why Self-Host?
Comparisons
- Hosting locally vs. in the cloud
- Bare metal vs. virtual machine
- Running app host vs. in containers
Selecting your hardware

10:30 - Creating Your Server
Demo:
- Create a cloud-based server instance
Hands on:
- Create a virtual machine in Proxmox
- Install Ubuntu Server

11:30 - Running your First Application
Hands on:
- Set up Docker
- Create first container with Docker Compose
- App choices:
- Pi-hole – Network ad blocker
- Jellyfin – Media server
- SearXNG – Private search engine
- Homepage – Personal dashboard
- Mealie/Tandoor – Recipe management and meal prep
- Using Docker helpers like Portainer or Dockhand
Discovering self-hosting platforms
- Reviewing Tipi, Caprover, and Yunohost

LUNCH

1:30 - Securing your server
Hands on:
- Create SSH keys
- Lock down SSH
- Disable root login
- Enable host firewall

2:30 - Networking
Accessing your remotely remotely
VPNs and Overlay networks

3:30 - Advanced Topics
Intro to Ansible
Security hardening for your with OpenSCAP