Grand Idea Studio’s Hardware Hacking Training, taught exclusively by Joe Grand, focuses on hardware hacking and reverse engineering techniques commonly used against hardware products. It is a combination of lecture and hands-on exercises, culminating with students attempting to defeat the security of a custom-designed circuit board.

Please visit the Events page for currently scheduled public classes. If you are interested in a private session for your organization, please contact us. The course can be tailored for a specific audience, skill level, or area of interest.

Documentation:

• Course Outline, Single Day: Hands-On Hardware Hacking and Reverse Engineering
• Course Outline, Two Day: Hands-On Hardware Hacking and Reverse Engineering

Learning Objectives:

During the course, the student will:

• Understand the mindset of a hardware hacker and why he does what he does
• Gain skills needed to successfully reverse engineer electronic products
• Learn about embedded security, ways to design hardware securely, and ways to defeat those mechanisms

Course Materials:

Students will be provided with the following materials:

• Electronics measurement tools, including a multimeter, digital oscilloscope, soldering iron, and device programmer
• Grand Idea Studio’s custom hardware hacking training circuit board
• Course lecture slides, research papers, and tools

Students should bring their own laptop running Windows (or equivalent virtual machine) and containing a functional USB interface. The laptop will be used for online research and to control test equipment. Software and drivers may need to be installed.

Reviews:

“This was the best class I’ve taken in years. Hacking is back!” – Anonymous

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

“Tremendous training. Joe definitely knows his stuff and put together an entertaining and challenging course.” – Anonymous

“This was hands down the best course I have ever taken. Joe is a wonderful instructor. I am a definite hardware convert.” – Anonymous

“Awesome! Course was an excellent mix of ground concepts, high level materials, and advanced concepts and attacks. Tons of hands on mixed with a fun and interesting lecture. Loved it.” – Anonymous

“An excellent mix of theoretical and hands-on work. The most fun I’ve had in a training course in a long time.” – Steve Wilson