1337 Offensive Hardware Hacking
Training Overview
1337 Offensive Hardware Hacking is an advanced, hands-on training at CSA XCON 2026, Dehradun, designed to address the growing skills gap in IoT, Embedded Systems, and Hardware Security.
As connected devices rapidly expand across consumer, enterprise, and industrial environments, traditional application and network security skills are no longer enough. This training equips participants with the practical knowledge, tools, and mindset required to confidently perform real-world hardware security assessments.
The program is carefully structured to support both early-career security professionals and experienced practitioners, starting from core electronics and embedded fundamentals and progressing toward advanced offensive hardware hacking techniques used in modern security audits.
About the Training at CSA XCON 2026
This immersive workshop focuses on learning by doing. Participants will work directly on real hardware devices throughout the training and gain experience that directly translates to professional IoT and embedded security engagements.
Key highlights include:
- Zero-to-hero approach for hardware hacking and embedded security
- Deep dive into electronics, microcontrollers, memories, and hardware interfaces
- Step-by-step exposure to real attacker TTPs used against IoT and embedded devices
- Extensive practical labs designed around real-world attack scenarios
- Build and take home a personal hardware hacking lab kit to continue learning beyond the event
This training aligns strongly with CSA XCON’s mission of advancing applied cybersecurity skills, research, and hands-on expertise.
What You Will Learn
Participants will gain strong practical exposure to:
- Hardware hacking fundamentals and electronics basics
- PCB reverse engineering and component identification
- Memory extraction and analysis (eMMC, NAND, NOR)
- Debugging and communication protocols such as UART, SPI, I2C, JTAG, and SWD
- Embedded firmware extraction and analysis
- Identifying and abusing bootstrap pins and debug interfaces
- Introduction to fault injection and exotic exploitation techniques
- Secure design principles and threat modeling for IoT products
Training Experience & Expectations
- Highly technical and hands-on focused workshop
- More than 40 guided practical exercises using read devices
- Direct interaction with hardware, not simulations
- Real-world techniques used in professional IoT and embedded security audits
- Strong emphasis on offensive mindset combined with secure design thinking
Participants should expect an intense, skills-driven experience where learning happens by breaking, analyzing, and rebuilding systems.
Who Should Attend
This training is ideal for:
- Security professionals working in AppSec, Pentesting, or Red Team roles
- IoT and Embedded Security researchers
- Blue team members responsible for device security assessments
- Engineers and architects involved in designing secure connected products
- Students and professionals looking to move into hardware and IoT security
If you are comfortable with:
- Linux environments
- Basic scripting
- Using simple hardware tools
Skill Level
Beginner to Intermediate
Participant Requirements
Participants should bring:
- A laptop with VMware Workstation installed
- Minimum 100GB free disk space
- Local admin access on the system
- At least two USB-A ports and an RJ45 port (or suitable adapter)
- Ability to access system BIOS
Apple systems are not recommended due to virtualization limitations.
What Participants Will Receive
Each participant will be provided with:
- Dedicated vulnerable hardware devices for hands-on labs (take-home)
- Professional hardware hacking tools and accessories
- Printed workbook with 40+ guided exercises
- Preconfigured hardware hacking OS and resources
- Comprehensive training materials including slides, tools, and scripts
- Certification exam voucher and recognition upon successful completion