~# 2025 Hak4Kidz Activities

Last few activities are being finalized. Check back regularly:

~# Back from 2024!!

• Hacker Escape Room: Prize for fastest team!
• Fox Pick Lock Picking: Challenge your skills with Felix the fox in this devious lock-picking adventure.
• Locksport: brought to you by Chicago TOOOL! Introduction to ethical lock-picking for sport only.
• Hardware Hacking Station: Open soldering stations for all skill levels, with a take-home kit for each participant.
• Technology Destruction Village: Safely dismantle old electronics - a hands-on approach to understanding hardware.
• Robotics: Build and innovate with Lego Robots, where engineering skills meet fun.
• jrCTF: The classic Capture The Flag competition - don't forget your laptop!
• Snap Circuits: Dive into engineering with the award-winning Snap Circuits by Elenco.
• SpyMath: New challenges in cryptography and steganography – secrets hidden in math.
• FlipperZero Hero: Learn how a pen tester gains access doing some NEW challenges.
• Patch it!: Learn how to make a CAT6 network patch cable.
• Workshops: A variety of workshops to choose from – some may require a laptop with internet access.

~# New Activity for 2025

• Meshtastic: Learn about open mesh networks and how to use one sending messages.

~# 2025 Workshops Are Compiled

Workshops will run 90 - 240 minutes.

IMPORTANT Your kids must be registered for the main Hak4Kidz conference, as well as, the Workshop(s), or the Workshop registration will be given to someone waitlisted and no refunds are available. Sorry if this sounds heavy handed, but we are attempting to avoid problems we've had in years past.

When registering, avoid scheduling conflicts by selecting only 1 morning or 1 afternoon workshop where applicable. The time of day will be specified on the Eventbrite registration page for that workshop.

Registration is ** OPEN ** for all workshops.

Step 1: Event Registration - see the button above to register.

Step 2: Workshop Registration - Links are sent in main event confirmation email.

~# WORKSHOP: Intro to Kali Linux

Instructors: Kendrick and Caleb

Please register for either the AM or PM session. This workshop is scheduled to be completed within 2 hours.

Get tickets for the main conference to register for this Workshop.

~## Synopsis

Intro to Kali Linux is a hands-on beginner-level workshop that introduces the basics of ethical hacking for penetration testers (aka pen-testers). Students will learn from basic footprinting to exploitation using the tools included within the Kali Linux operating system. Reinforcing the their newfound cybersecurity knowledge on a live server target. Important: This workshop's expected runtime is 2 hours. There is a morning (AM) session and an afternoon (PM) session. Please only register for one.

~## Workshop Requirements

Bring Your Own Laptop Meeting the following Criteria:

• A PC laptop running Windows 10 or higher, or Linux, or a MacBook
• Chromebooks may work

~# WORKSHOP: Web Warrior Workshop

Instructor: Alec

Please register for either the AM or PM session. This workshop is scheduled to be completed within 2 hours.

Get tickets for the main conference to register for this Workshop.

~## Synopsis

This condensed course introduces the basics of web penetration testing, teaching kids how to identify and fix security vulnerabilities in a controlled and ethical manner. Participants will engage in hands-on activities under the guidance of a professional cybersecurity expert, learning the fundamentals of web security, and preventive strategies. The workshop emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a fun and interactive setting.

~## Workshop Requirements

• Please be at least 10 years old to participate.
• Able to install software on a Windows or MacOS Laptop
• No prior experience is needed, just a willingness to learn and explore.
• A laptop PC or Mac able to connect to the Internet.

~# WORKSHOP: Reverse Engineering Prompts & Jailbreaking AI

Instructor: David

Please register for either the AM or PM session. This workshop is scheduled to be completed within 2 hours.

Get tickets for the main conference to register for this Workshop.

~## Synopsis

This workshop introduces students to the techniques used to jailbreak AI models like ChatGPT. The session begins with a 10-minute overview explaining how large language models (LLMs) process inputs, the principles behind prompt engineering, and common jailbreaking strategies, such as prompt injections, role-playing exploits, and token smuggling. After the introduction, students will spend 20 minutes actively trying to hack several AI systems of increasing difficulty. They'll work through challenges of increasing difficulty designed to bypass AI safeguards, gaining hands-on experience with adversarial prompting while discussing ethical considerations and responsible AI use.

~## Workshop Requirements

• Best suited for ages 8 and up. If they can use ChatGPT, they're right for this workshop.
• No special software required.
• No prior experience is needed, just a willingness to learn and explore.
• A laptop PC or Mac able to connect to the Internet.