AWS Cloud Security: Hackathon Workshop

​AWS User Groups along the Colorado Front Range are hosting a hands-on security hacking workshop series focused on real-world AWS attack scenarios and defensive techniques.
These sessions are practitioner-led, interactive, and lab-based, designed for engineers, architects, and security professionals who actively work in the cloud. Participants will engage directly with simulated attack paths and misconfigurations using a secure virtual desktop (VDI) environment, ensuring no software is installed on personal laptops.
Each event is intentionally small (15–20 expected, capped at 30) to maximize interaction, discussion, and hands-on time. This is a User Group–hosted event, supported by partners, and not a sales presentation.

When: March 5, 2026 | 3:00PM - 5:00PM
Where: 550 South McCaslin Blvd Unit B
Louisville, CO 80027

What to expect

• ​​Live, guided hacking scenarios in AWS-like environments

• ​​Practical examples of what actually breaks in production

• ​​Discussion of defensive controls and prevention strategies

• ​​A collaborative, engineer-to-engineer learning format

​​Logistics

• ​​Bring your own laptop

• ​​All access provided via secure VDI

• ​​Lunch or appetizers provided, depending on location

​​Agenda (All Locations)
1. Welcome & Framing (10–15 minutes)

• ​​User Group welcome and session goals

• ​​Safety, scope, and rules of engagement

• ​​Overview of the lab environment

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2. Threat Scenarios & Attack Walkthroughs (20–30 minutes)

• ​​Common real-world cloud attack paths

• ​​Where security controls typically fail

• ​​How attackers chain small issues into major incidents

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3. Hands-On Hacking Labs (45–60 minutes)

• ​​Guided exercises using the cyber range

• ​​Participants interact directly with attack scenarios

• ​​Facilitated discussion throughout

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4. Defense, Detection, and Lessons Learned (15–20 minutes)

• ​​How to detect and prevent similar issues in AWS

• ​​Practical guardrails and monitoring approaches

• ​​What matters most vs. security theater

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5. Wrap-Up & Next Steps (5–10 minutes)

• ​​Key takeaways

• ​​Optional paths for deeper learning (e.g., WAFR, future workshops)

• ​​Networking and informal discussion

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Event Times & Locations
• 550 South McCaslin Blvd Unit B
Louisville, CO 80027
March 5 | 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Appetizers provided