HuntCode's AWS Stack for Cyber Defense Training

HuntCode is a hands-on cyber defense training platform. Here’s how we architect secure, scalable learning on AWS.

Why AWS

Cyber defense training demands security, scale, and global reliability. AWS gives HuntCode the foundation to deliver hands-on learning experiences that are both powerful and protected—without learners ever needing complex local setups.

What We’re Building on AWS

Compute: Scalable container-based labs that spin up fast for CLI and HTTP cyber tasks.
Database: Encrypted relational data storage for modules, analytics, and user progress.
Secure Storage: Isolated objects for lab inputs, threat samples, and code submissions.
Email & Authentication: Trusted messaging and identity to protect student access.
Observability: Centralized logging and monitoring for platform reliability.
Aurora cluster design: Writer + read replicas with automatic failover and encrypted storage for consistent, low-latency queries at classroom scale.
OpenSearch Serverless (HuntBot vector index): KMS-encrypted embeddings and k-NN search power RAG—fast, low-latency retrieval of LMS content and cyber defense learning materials.
Amazon SES: High-deliverability emails for account verification, password resets, security notifications, and instructor notifications with SPF/DKIM/DMARC alignment.

Inside HuntCode’s Architecture

Node.js Services: Fast server logic for modules, CodeLab, and learner analytics.
Secure Sandboxes: Each lab runs isolated from critical infrastructure—no shared privileges.
Zero-Trust Approach: Every request is authenticated and least-privilege by design.
Defense-in-Depth: Multi-layer protections for code execution and chat interaction.

Security & Scale with AWS Services

Elastic Load Balancing: Distributes traffic during high classroom usage.
Amazon VPC Isolation: Labs run in segmented networks with strict boundaries.
IAM Least Privilege: Scoped roles protect code execution and data access.
CloudWatch & GuardDuty: Continuous monitoring and threat detection on platform ops.
Auto Scaling: Instantly handles hundreds of concurrent learners without slowdown.
WAF Protections: Blocks malicious traffic and injection attempts at the edge.
Amazon Route 53: Reliable DNS with domain authentication (SPF/DKIM/DMARC) and routing designed for high availability.
CloudFront: CDN edge caching for faster global access and integrated WAF protections at the perimeter.

How AWS Powers the Experience

Consistency: Every learner gets a clean, reproducible environment on demand.
Performance: Labs and chat responses remain fast—even under classroom load.
Security: Enterprise-grade controls to support programs with strict compliance needs.
Amazon Polly: Powers voice introductions and audio cues for a more engaging, multimodal cyber defense learning experience.
Growth Ready: Colleges and workforce partners can scale from 10 learners to 10,000.

Roadmap (Near-Term)

Enhanced Lab Isolation: Deeper permissions and network-level containment.
Threat Data Pipelines: Live intel sources to support detection-focused training.
Backup & Failover: Multi-region support for always-on availability.
More Live Scenarios: Browser-based investigations that mirror SOC workflows.

AWS Activate Support

HuntCode was accepted into the AWS Activate Startup Program, receiving credits and technical guidance to accelerate platform development and secure deployment.

How to Partner With Us

We’re offering 90-day pilots to colleges and workforce programs deploying modern cyber defense curriculum. If you’re building the next generation of defenders, let’s talk.

Institutions & programs: hello@huntcode.com
Technical alliances: We’re open to collaboration with cloud and security partners advancing hands-on learning.