Do I need any experience?
Nope — not at all. We are a beginner-friendly club and all skill levels are welcome. Whether you've never opened a terminal or you're already grinding CTFs, you'll fit right in. We build sessions for a range of experience levels and there's always someone happy to help you get started.
Is it free to join?
Yes, completely free. There are no dues or fees. Just show up to a meeting or hop in our Discord. To formally join the club roster, fill out the sign-up form — but you're welcome to come check us out first.
What should I bring?
Just yourself! A laptop is helpful for the hands-on lab sessions if you have one, but it's not required to come to a meeting. Curiosity and a willingness to learn are the only real requirements.
What happens at meetings?
It depends on the day. Wednesday club meetings cover planning, guest talks, and announcements. Thursday and Friday lab sessions are hands-on — vulnerability scanning, networking labs, CTF practice, server builds, and hardware hacking. Check the meeting schedule for details, and always check Discord for the weekly room numbers.
When and where do you meet?
Do I have to be a cybersecurity major?
Not at all. The club is open to ALL Palomar students regardless of major. Cybersecurity touches every field, and we welcome anyone who's curious about it — from CS majors to complete newcomers exploring the field.
How do I stay updated on events?
Our Discord server is the hub for everything — weekly room numbers, event announcements, competition news, and resources. You can also check the Events page and follow us on Instagram.
Can I practice on my own?
Absolutely — and we encourage it! Check out our Resources page for curated learning platforms, certifications, and YouTube channels, plus the Trainings page for interactive simulators the club built. Want us to cover a specific topic? Drop it on the Request a Topic board.