Ed (AKA Low Level) is a low level programmer, security engineer, and software security researcher with over 10 years of experience.
In StackSmash, he'll teach you the fundamentals to understand how real-world exploits work (and how to stop them).
An introduction to the community and the challenge range. Get your first taste of what it's like to be part of the StackSmash community.
Learn the fundamentals of computers and software security. What is a bug? What is a vulnerability? How do computers work?
Learn the fundamentals of C programming from a security perspective. Learn how to program in C and how to use it to build exploits.
Learn the fundamentals of Python programming for exploit development.
We wrote some C, now lets break it. What can go wrong in a C program? What are the primitives that enable memory corruption?
Learn the fundamentals of x86 assembly programming. How does the CPU execute instructions? How do we write code that runs on the CPU?
Code gets compiled, so how can we read the code? In this course we cover how to take apart a binary and make good assumptions about how they work.
We learned about primitives, now what about mitigations? How do ASLR, RELRO, PIE and NX work, and how can they be byassed?
Courses are constantly being added. Stay tuned for updates.
StackSmash is a community for learning software security through Capture the Flag (CTF) challenges. We provide tutorials, courses, weekly coaching calls, and a supportive community to help you become a new (or better) security professional.
Stacksmash and Low Level Academy are separate platforms. Low Level Academy is a programming platform and this one is focused on security. If you strictly want to learn low level programming, Low Level Academy has you covered, but if you want to go further into security, StackSmash is the best fit for you.
StackSmash is designed for people with at least a basic programming background to go from 0 to hero in the cybersecurity field with an emphasis on the category of security engineering, including red teaming, reverse engineering, and fuzzing.
Capture The Flags (CTF) are fun cybersecurity challenges where competitors practice real-world hacking skills by solving puzzles for points. Picture leetcode if it didn't suck and was actually enjoyable.
CTFs count as "real" experience that you can put on your resume/CV. The Head of Talent at one of the leading cybersecurity recruiting firms even said so himself.
We weekly live coaching calls hosted by Ed (Low Level) where you can ask questions, get help with challenges, discuss security concepts, and learn from both instructors and fellow community members. These sessions are interactive and designed to accelerate your learning.
Every call is recorded if you can't attend and you have an opportunity to submit questions beforehand.
We have a thriving community of real, friendly people that love to learn. It's the reason we started StackSmash.
If you can surround yourself with people who know more than you, co-work with people at your level, and pay it forward by teaching to people who are behind you, you will learn far faster than if you were doing it on your own.
It's also just a fun place where you can talk to people that share your niche interests!
Yes! All plans include a 14-day money-back guarantee. If you're not satisfied with your membership, you can request a full refund within the first 14 days.
Unlike traditional static courses, StackSmash is a living, breathing community. You learn alongside other hackers, get real-time support, work on practical CTF challenges, and have access to ongoing resources and updates. We also don't charge $3000 LOL
Helping programmers hack their way into security professionals with community and challenges.
© 2026 StackSmash. All rights reserved.
