Hardware Hacking Basics

No prior hardware experience is required.

• Describe and understand the hardware hacking process, mindset, and purpose
• Hands-on experience with useful and relevant techniques
• Confidence to apply learned skills to electronic systems outside the classroom

Module 1 - Hardware Hacking Overview

• Overview of hardware hacking

Module 2 - Information Gathering

• How to gather information before you start hardware hacking

Module 3 - Product Teardown

Opening housings

• Product assembly/disassembly methods
• Anti-tamper mechanisms
• Hands-on exercise: Defeat epoxy encapsulation

Component identification

• Discrete components
• Integrated circuits
• Finding and reading data sheets
• Hands-on exercise: Identify target components

Module 4 - Schematics and PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards)

• Creating/reading schematics
• PCB construction/fabrication methods
• Hands-on exercise: Modify target PCB

Module 5 - Soldering and Desoldering

• Tips/techniques
• Hands-on exercise: Soldering
• Hands-on exercise: Desoldering

Module 6 - Buses and Interfaces

Identifying interfaces

Determining pin function

• Hands-on exercise: Measurements w/ multi-meter
• Hands-on exercise: Create block diagram/schematic

Signal monitoring and analysis

• Tools/techniques
• Serial communications interfaces (UART, I2C, SPI)
• Hands-on exercise: Signal monitoring w/ logic analyser
• Hands-on exercise: Digital decoding w/ logic analyser
• Hands-on exercise: Interactive console via UART

Module 7 - Signal/Data Manipulation

• Tools/techniques/examples
• Debug interfaces (vendor-specific, JTAG)
• Fault injection/glitching overview

Module 8 - Memory and Firmware

• Memory types
• Hands-on exercise: Extract/modify data from EEPROM
• Security/code protection bypass examples
• Firmware analysis tools/techniques

Module 9 - Hardware Hacking Challenge

Apply the knowledge and skills learned in the course to defeat the security mechanism of a custom electronic device.

Testimonials

ANONYMOUS

This was one of the best training classes I have ever been to. The instructor’s emphasis on design philosophies and systematic deconstruction provided me with a clear hacking flowchart.

ANONYMOUS

Joe Grand’s passion, enthusiasm, and command of the class is inspiring in itself.

ANONYMOUS

Outstanding course. Joe was a great instructor and made the course very friendly, informative and enjoyable!