Chico >> They pledge to use their skills for good instead of evil.

Such is the promise of DC530, the Chico chapter of a hacking club that focuses on both physical and cyber security. Currently at about 15 members, the group meets weekly at the Idea Fabrication Labs to hash out ideas, test projects and manipulate technology.

“We teach to be the white hat, which is the good guy. You know what to look for and how to prevent it,” said Will Caput, one of the founding members. “You want to practice ethical hacking. We don’t condone anything illegal.”

The club’s name pays tribute to Def Con, one of the world’s largest hacking conventions held in Las Vegas ever year. Members formed the group 10 years ago so that local residents wouldn’t have to wait for an annual meeting to practice and talk their hobby with others who share the same interests.

“You can’t even talk to anyone else. No one speaks that same language,” said group newcomer Forrest James, who joined a few months ago. “I’m just here to learn.”

They meet at least once a week, with members driving from as far as Chester. They are guided by a shared goal to increase security, not breach it, and they spend significant time breaking down systems to rebuild them even stronger.

“It’s the awareness behind inherent vulnerabilities,” said Salem Hoffmann. “We all work in it. We have to know the vulnerabilities that are out there to defend them.”

He has been with the group since it started and specializes in physical security, lock-picking, social engineering and electronics. Other members’ interests include coding, hardware and software.

All security is a puzzle somewhat, they said. They are learning how to solve that puzzle.

They have an array of tools, including discrete devices that can be concealed inside a business to gain access to its network and an in-house network just for members to learn how to hack. They’ve also built devices to increase security, such as simple personal routers people can use when traveling to make their networks anonymous.

The group as a whole is also working on radio frequency broadcasting, which they can use to listen to car alarms, garage door openers or FM stations, and cloners for radio frequency identification tags.

Locally, Caput has tried to approach hospitals, schools and other entities to help strengthen their security but none have been open to his help.

“They don’t want us to know their network is not secure,” he said.

The stereotype of a hacker has been someone with a laptop in hand and a mask over the face, members said. But the culture is changing, and when given the chance, those initially hostile to the suggestion of vulnerabilities are grateful when the insecurity is corrected.

Mainstream security breaches are happening every day, members said, pointing to prominent examples such as Target and Blue Cross that have affected millions of people. And with them, people realize the need for change.

No college classes teach what they do. But Caput has lectured at Chico State on how to protect against hacks, how hackers gain access and other security measures.

Time spent at DC530 is not all work and no play.

They also use a computer the size of a pack of cigarettes to mimic games from every gaming system. And at last year’s Def Con, they won a contest for a laser tag game they built into ID badges people wore around the convention.

Brittany Couch admits the first time she went to Def Con, it was a little weird. But now she has established numerous social connections and made many friends.

“Everyone is welcoming and really nice. It’s not like it’s a bunch of creepy IT people,” she said.

She didn’t have a background in computers when she joined three years ago, but it didn’t matter.

“It’s nice to come in and learn different programs, different skills you can add to your resume,” shes aid. “A lot of people have interests like this but they don’t know how to communicate.”

That’s where Couch’s marketing background comes in, she said. With a laugh, she added that she also balances out the male-to-female ratio of the group.

DC530’s hope is to grow. With more members, the more they can share skill sets and knowledge, Caput said. Projects are run by whoever suggests them, and others support with parts and expertise.

By working out of Idea Fab Labs, they find a lot of help from its wood shop, leather workers and artists. Members may not be good with sewing or 3D printing, but there they can find someone who is.

“We all work together,” Will said. “It’s more stuff to understand and more people to learn from.”

Those interested in joining the group can email hackers@dc530.org.

Contact reporter Ashley Gebb at 896-7768.