CipherHacks 2026

What if your first real taste of cybersecurity didn't come from a textbook, but from two days of breaking, building, and learning alongside people your own age?

CipherHacks is a free, student-run cybersecurity hackathon built for high schoolers across San Diego and beyond. Over two days at the San Diego Central Library, students dive into the world of security through hands-on workshops, an industry panel with working professionals, and the time and space to ship a real project from scratch. No experience required. All you need is curiosity and a laptop.

What makes it special

• Actually free. Fiscally sponsored by Hack Club, CipherHacks has no entry fee. Food, swag, and workshops are all covered, so cost is never the reason a student misses out.
• Cybersecurity, specifically. Most high school hackathons are general-purpose. CipherHacks goes deep on security and the kind of hands-on problem solving that defines the field.
• Built by students, for students. This event is organized entirely by high schoolers who know exactly what makes a hackathon worth showing up for.
• Beginner-friendly by design. Workshops and mentors meet you where you are, whether you've never opened a terminal or you already live in one.
• Real people, real careers. Our industry panel connects students directly with professionals working in security and engineering, with time for the questions you actually want answered.

Who can come

Any high school student. Come solo or bring a team of up to four. Whether you're aiming to win, learn something new, or just meet people who care about the same things you do, there's a place for you here.

Schedule

Day 1 — Wednesday, June 17

• 9:30 AM — Check-in and breakfast
• 10:00 AM — Opening ceremony
• 10:30 AM — Ice breakers and social
• 11:00 AM — Hacking begins
• 1:00 PM — Lunch
• 2:30 PM — Workshop #1
• 4:00 PM — College life panel
• 5:30 PM — End of Day 1

Day 2 — Thursday, June 18

• 9:30 AM — Check-in and breakfast
• 11:00 AM — Workshop #2
• 12:00 PM — Industry panel
• 1:00 PM — Lunch
• 3:00 PM — Project submissions due
• 3:15 PM — Judging
• 4:45 PM — Awards
• 5:00 PM — End of Day 2

• Technical Implementation
  Is the project technically impressive? Does it use an advanced tech stack?
• Impact & Purpose
  Does the project have a beneficial impact in the cybersecurity world? Does it properly solve the problem it sought to fix?
• Polish & Presentation
  Was the project polished? Was the presentation effective? Did you convince the judges that your project is worth winning?
• Creativity and Originality
  This criteria is very open. Is the idea exciting/appealing? Is it unique? Does it take a fresh attempt to a common problem?
• Cyber Alignment
  Did you actually follow the prompt/theme or go off in lala land
• Wow Factor
  Would someone go woah, if they saw your project?