Tech Thursdays Kickoff (DC256 × NAC-ISSA) — Inside the Shark Tank: Learning Wireshark

Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: GigaParts Classroom, Huntsville

Collaboration: NAC-ISSA × DC256 • Presented by: @Oyster

See inside of network traffic with the Wireshark network protocol analyzer. Pick apart packets piece by piece as we analyze networking traffic to tell a story of how different network devices talk between one another. We’ll cover tips and tricks to quickly identify and troubleshoot networking issues. Attendees will learn how to capture and perform basic analysis on network traffic.

Prerequisites: Attendees should already understand networking basics such as the OSI model, IP addresses, MAC addresses, the client/server relationship, TCP vs UDP, and the concept of port numbers.

Registration (Required): https://nac-issa.org/event/tech-thursday-inside-the-shark-tank/
Cost: Free to join

Venue Address:
GigaParts
6123 University Drive
Huntsville, 35806
United States

January Meetup — Paul Coggin — Ignition Under Fire: Exploring Cybersecurity Attack Vectors in Rocket Propulsion

Date: Friday, January 16, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: GigaParts Classroom, Huntsville

Sponsored by: North Alabama Chapter of the Information System Security Association (NAC-ISSA) — https://nac-issa.org/

The increasing reliance on digital systems in modern rocketry, from design and manufacturing to launch operations and in-flight control, introduces significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Presentation, "Ignition Under Fire," by Paul Coggin, explores the diverse attack vectors targeting rocket propulsion systems, examining potential consequences ranging from mission delays and data breaches to catastrophic failures. We will analyze the complex interplay of software, hardware, and network components within propulsion systems, identifying key weaknesses susceptible to exploitation. The presentation will delve into specific attack scenarios, software manipulation, sensor spoofing, and network intrusion, highlighting the potential impact on critical rocket equation parameters like delta V, thrust, fuel flow, and combustion stability. Furthermore, we will discuss the unique challenges in securing these complex systems. We will explore how a Zero Trust architecture can be implemented to enhance security by enforcing strict access control, micro-segmentation, and continuous authentication and authorization throughout the propulsion system.

Speaker Bio: Paul Coggin is a internationally recognized cybersecurity expert at nou Systems, Inc., specializing in solving complex problems at the convergence of space, digital energy, telecommunications, cyber-physics, and cybersecurity. His expertise spans space systems, service provider networks, ICS/SCADA infrastructures, and digital energy. With extensive experience in network architecture, vulnerability analysis, and penetration testing, Paul has led security assessments for critical infrastructure across various sectors, including aerospace, energy, service provider, financial and tactical networks. A frequent speaker and instructor at international conferences, he shares insights on advanced cybersecurity topics. Paul holds multiple advanced degrees—BS in Mathematics/Computer Science, MS in Space Systems, MS in Systems Management, MS in Information Assurance and Security, and MS in Computer Information Systems—along with numerous industry-recognized certifications.

DC256 Christmas Party — Hacker Holiday Meetup

Date: December 19, 2025
Time: 6–7:30PM @ GigaParts, then 7:30PM and onward @ Field Day (next door)

No food provided — we’ll eat at Field Day.
Bring lock picks, Meshtastic, ham radio gear, HackRFs, or anything cool for hacker show & tell!

Dirty Santa Gift Exchange: Bring a fun or 3D-printed gift! 🎁

November Meetup – Matthew McDougal AKA Doogie – Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Hacking Workshop

Date: November 21, 2025
Time: 6PM
Location: GigaParts, Huntsville

Sponsored By: NAC-ISSA

October Meetup – Brad Causey — Hacking Fruit: Exploiting Juice Shop

Date: October 17, 2025
Time: 6PM
Location: GigaParts, Huntsville

National Cyber Summit – DC256 Lockpicking Village

Date: September 23–25, 2025
Location: National Cyber Summit, Huntsville, AL

Swipe/scroll ➜ and click any photo to view full-size

Village setup & banner

Hands-on demos

Tools & guidance

Close-up practice

Crowd engagement

All skill levels

September Meetup – Lucero Huante-Frias — No Free Lateral Moves: Building Zero Trust the Hacker Way

Date: September 19, 2025
Time: 6PM
Location: GigaParts, Huntsville

August Workshop – Jason Baird — SDR Fundamentals: A Beginner’s Guide to the HackRF

Date: August 15, 2025
Time: 6PM
Location: GigaParts, Huntsville

Title Sponsored By: Skinny R&D

July Meetup – Rae Baker & Bri Benson — Attack Surface Intel: Mapping Exposures with OSINT

Date: July 18, 2025
Time: 6PM
Location: HudsonAlpha, Huntsville

June Meetup – Rodney Visser — Silent Intrusion: Delivering RF-Triggered Cyber Effects

Date: June 20, 2025
Time: 6PM
Location: GigaParts, Huntsville

May Workshop – dayt0n — CTF Crash Course

Date: May 16, 2025
Time: 6PM
Location: GigaParts, Huntsville

April Meetup – Logan Cannan — Lost in Translation: How Underlying Decompiler Architecture Shapes Malware Classification

Date: April 18, 2025
Time: 6PM
Location: GigaParts, Huntsville

March Workshop – Learn to Lockpick (Dawson Smith)

Date: March 21, 2025
Time: 6PM
Location: GigaParts, Huntsville

Sponsored By: Killchainz

February Meetup – Brad Horton — Red, Blue, Purple, Green, Pink, Rainbow: Why the colors are less important than actually fixing things.

Date: February 21, 2025
Time: 6PM
Location: GigaParts, Huntsville

Sponsored By: PeopleTec Inc

January Meetup – Paul Coggin — Space Cyber Resilience

Date: January 24, 2025
Time: 6PM
Location: GigaParts Huntsville