Embedded Security and Hardware Hacking

Most of us are aware of our reliance on computers throughout our everyday lives, but what we typically think of as computers (from the servers that run our favorite websites, to our laptops and smartphones) are only the tip of the iceberg.  Hidden just beneath the surface is a substantial and diverse group of computers referred to as embedded systems.  Although the concept may be unfamiliar to many, embedded systems are pervasive and have existed for decades. They commonly work within larger pieces of technology, performing specific tasks, such as operating one element of a car, medical device, aircraft, or even a musical instrument. Their security affects the security of the larger system. And they are being hacked!

This program consists of two components: an online & pre-requisite course open to all interested students and a four-week summer program for a select group of students. See our FAQ for most up to date schedule.

The online course will introduce the students to several security topics with a focus on threats that are especially concerning for embedded systems.  These topics include:  embedded software security, cryptographic protocol attacks, JTAG and UART probing, side-channel analysis and fault-injection, and hardware Trojans.  This background will help prepare students for the summer course, during which they will perform security assessments of multiple implementations of an embedded system:  a wireless home door lock.  Teams will compete to see who can find and fix the most security flaws in these systems.

Online Course

The online component for the Embedded Security and hardware hacking course contains important introductory material to provide students with the background required to successfully complete the four-week summer course. A virtual machine image is provided for students to download and use on their own computers, with necessary tools preinstalled, so that they can work through both the introductory and more advanced topics.

The online course will consist of the following modules:

• Hardware
• Embedded software
• Programming in Python
• C Programming
• Assembly language
• Cryptography Basics

Summer Course

The four-week summer program is based on the MITRE Collegiate eCTF,  which challenges teams of undergraduate and graduate students to design a secure system for an Internet-enabled home door lock with two-factor authentication. BWSI students will examine the submissions from real college teams and hunt for security flaws.  The course will consist of a mix of lectures and hands-on projects that reinforce and apply the material. The detailed topics for each week are listed below:

Week 1: Reconnaissance

• Components of embedded systems
• Embedded software security basics

Week 2: Cryptography and Security

• Overview of cryptography and secure design fundamentals
• Introduction of the design challenge

Week 3: Hardware Analysis

• Hardware and interface analysis
• Introduction to side-channel analysis and fault attacks

Week 4: Hack!

• Teams will compete to see who can score the most points – earned by capturing virtual “flags”, by demonstrating flaws in the target systems, and by fixing the flaws to secure the system.  As part of the final event, student teams will be presenting their projects and solutions.