Let’s make it work for you
Hardware Hacking Advanced: Defeating Microcontroller Code Protection
- Categories:
- Cyber Security
- Level:
- Expert
- Code:
- QAJGHACKDM
- Exam:
- Not Applicable
Overview
This one-day workshop teaches advanced techniques used to defeat the security features of microcontrollers meant to protect against unauthorized access. It is a hands-on environment where students will use a variety of hardware tools and real-world targets. Each section provides details of the microcontroller's code protection features and its corresponding attack methodology.
What's included
Select your preferred way to learn:
What is Classroom?
Hands-on, instructor-led training delivered in a QA learning centre
In-person training in a dedicated QA learning centre. Learners benefit from expert-led sessions, collaborative activities, and structured, hands-on workshops in a distraction-free environment. If you can’t attend in person, many classroom courses are also available to attend remotely.
Classroom sessions can be arranged on request. Please contact your account manager to discuss availability in your region
Best for: Individuals and teams who benefit from deep focus, direct interaction, and practical, hands-on learning.
What's included?
1 Day instructor led course
6 month free access to QA learning platform
Free 6-Month Access: Learning Platform Discovery plan
Included FREE with every instructor‑led course
Get free guided access to the QA Learning Platform. Assess your skills, explore in-demand topics, and understand which areas to focus on.
Learn AI, Cloud, Data, and Leadership skills at your own pace.
Put skills into practice with hands-on Labs and Simulabs.
Validate knowledge and highlight gaps with skills assessments.
What is bespoke training?
Custom instructor-led training designed by QA to fit your needs
Tailored programmes built around your organisation’s goals, challenges, and skill levels. Delivered in the format that suits you to maximise relevance and impact.
Best for: Organisations and teams looking to target specific business priorities and capabilities with QA subject matter expertise.
Find out more about the course:
Dates
No dates available?
Can't find a date that fits? Need to train your whole team, explore classroom options, or looking for a discount?
Course outline
A. Microcontroller Security Overview
B. Fault Injection
- Hands-on exercise: Extract program code from a protected NXP LPC1114 via voltage glitch using the ChipWhisperer-Lite
C. Register Manipulation
- Hands-on exercise: Extract program code from a protected Nordic Semiconductor nRF51822 microcontroller via register and program flow manipulation
D. Interrupt Vector Manipulation
- Hands-on exercise: Locate debug interface, extract program code from a protected STMicroelectronics STM32F103 microcontroller via vector table remapping, identify differences between original and extracted code
E. Side Channel Timing Attack
- Hands-on exercise: Discover side channel weakness on a custom circuit board, defeat PIN protection via timing attack
F. Other Techniques
Good to know
Why choose QA
- Award-winning training, top NPS scores
- Over 500,000 learners in 2024
- Our training experts are industry leaders
- Read more about QA
Cyber Security learning paths
Want to boost your career in cyber security? Click on the roles below to see QA's learning pathways, specially designed to give you the skills to succeed.
Offensive Cyber Operations learning paths
Want to boost your career in the world of Offensive Cyber Operations? View QA's learning pathway below, specially designed to give you the skills to succeed.
Get in touch for team bookings and exclusive discounts
Ready to book? Complete the form and a member of our team will be in touch shortly to discuss your options.
Let’s make it work for you. Speak to one of our learning experts today.
What our customers are saying
“I would say the secure software engineering programme QA built, is beyond training. It is more around making transformation in the mindset of people, and this was exactly what we are looking for.”
Emil Minev
Senior Consultant & Programme Manager, Paysafe Group
“I really enjoyed the practical experience given by the labs, and also being able to make use of the expertise of the trainers and learn tips and tricks from them. Overall, it was an excellent overview of the cyber security profession as a whole. The learning experience was fun and exciting!”
QA learner
“I loved learning about Open Source Intelligence - the things you can do just with Google are amazing! Also, being able to meet, work with, and chat to other people interested in cyber was fantastic.”
QA learner
Portfolio Director
Richard Beck
Portfolio Director – Cyber
Frequently asked questions
How can I create an account on myQA.com?
There are a number of ways to create an account. If you are a self-funder, simply select the "Create account" option on the login page.
If you have been booked onto a course by your company, you will receive a confirmation email. From this email, select "Sign into myQA" and you will be taken to the "Create account" page. Complete all of the details and select "Create account".
If you have the booking number you can also go here and select the "I have a booking number" option. Enter the booking reference and your surname. If the details match, you will be taken to the "Create account" page from where you can enter your details and confirm your account.
Find more answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs: Bookings & Cancellations page.
How do QA’s virtual classroom courses work?
Our virtual classroom courses allow you to access award-winning classroom training, without leaving your home or office. Our learning professionals are specially trained on how to interact with remote attendees and our remote labs ensure all participants can take part in hands-on exercises wherever they are.
We use the WebEx video conferencing platform by Cisco. Before you book, check that you meet the WebEx system requirements and run a test meeting to ensure the software is compatible with your firewall settings. If it doesn’t work, try adjusting your settings or contact your IT department about permitting the website.
How do QA’s online courses work?
QA online courses, also commonly known as distance learning courses or elearning courses, take the form of interactive software designed for individual learning, but you will also have access to full support from our subject-matter experts for the duration of your course.
Once you have purchased the Online course and have completed your registration, you will receive the necessary details to enable you to immediately access it through our e-learning platform and you can start to learn straight away, from any compatible device. Access to the online learning platform is valid for one year from the booking date.
All courses are built around case studies and presented in an engaging format, which includes storytelling elements, video, audio and humour. Every case study is supported by sample documents and a collection of Knowledge Nuggets that provide more in-depth detail on the wider processes.
When will I receive my joining instructions?
Joining instructions for QA courses are sent two weeks prior to the course start date, or immediately if the booking is confirmed within this timeframe. For course bookings made via QA but delivered by a third-party supplier, joining instructions are sent to attendees prior to the training course, but timescales vary depending on each supplier’s terms. Read more FAQs.
When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates of Achievement are issued at the end the course, either as a hard copy or via email. Read more here.