A Production of IT Gulf Coast
HACK THE COAST
The Gulf Coast's community-driven cybersecurity conference. Breakout sessions. Hands-on learning. Real connections.
Where the Gulf Coast Gets Hacked
Hack the Coast brings together students, practitioners, and community members from Jacksonville to New Orleans for a day of hands-on cybersecurity learning, breakout sessions, and meaningful connections.
This is a first-year, grassroots event built to grow the regional cybersecurity talent pipeline. Whether you're a high school student exploring cyber careers or a seasoned practitioner sharing hard-won lessons, there's a place for you here.
Built for Builders, Breakers, and Defenders
Hands-On Learning
Practical breakout sessions covering real-world tools, techniques, and career skills. No death-by-PowerPoint.
Real Connections
Meet practitioners, hiring managers, mentors, and fellow learners from across the Gulf Coast region.
Industry-Relevant Content
Sessions on red team, blue team, cloud security, AI security, OSINT, governance, and more.
Student-Friendly
Affordable access, beginner-friendly sessions, and a welcoming environment for students at every level.
Community-First
No corporate conference energy. Just real people, real knowledge, and a shared commitment to the Gulf Coast.
Talent Pipeline
Connecting the next generation of cyber professionals with opportunities, mentors, and pathways.
Your Cyber Career Starts Here
Whether you're in high school, college, or just starting your career in cybersecurity, Hack the Coast is designed with you in mind. We believe the Gulf Coast's next generation of cyber talent shouldn't have to leave the region to find opportunities.
- >Affordable student tickets
- >Beginner-friendly breakout sessions
- >Mentorship and career pathway connections
- >Hands-on learning, not just lectures
$ career --start --location gulf-coast
Scanning opportunities...
[+] mentors found: 12
[+] sessions available: 8
[+] connections nearby: many
Ready to launch._
Deep Dives, Not Drive-Bys
Hack the Coast features focused breakout sessions where you pick the topics that matter to you. Smaller groups. More interaction. Real learning.
CTF + Lockpick Village
Two hands-on experiences running all day alongside the main sessions. First-year flagship features of Hack the Coast.
Capture the Flag
A hands-on CTF competition running throughout the entire conference. Challenges span web exploitation, cryptography, OSINT, reverse engineering, and more. Solo or team. First-timer or veteran — all skill levels welcome.
$ ctf --open --all-day
tracks: web · crypto · osint · rev · misc
Lockpick Village
Get hands-on with physical security. Learn lock picking fundamentals from experienced practitioners. A beloved tradition at hacker conferences worldwide — and a perfect entry point into the physical side of security.
$ lockpick --skill=all-levels --open
pins: standard · security · practice locks
Cowork Annex · Pensacola, FL
Our venue partner Cowork Annex provides a modern, community-centered space in downtown Pensacola that's perfect for a conference built around collaboration and hands-on learning.
Cowork Annex · Pensacola, Florida
Back the Coast
Your sponsorship funds student access, hands-on learning, and regional workforce development. This is a first-year, community-first event — your support makes it possible.
Stronger Together
Hack the Coast is a production of IT Gulf Coast, complementing the broader ITEN Wired ecosystem. We're building something new for the Gulf Coast cyber community — and we're just getting started.