Course Description
Immerse yourself in the intricate domain of embedded device security with our pioneering 24-week Embedded Reversing and Exploitation Bootcamp. This expertly designed program thrusts you into the deep end of the cybersecurity pool, where you'll acquire the practical skills needed to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.
Taking a predominantly hands-on-keyboard approach, this bootcamp focuses on embedded reverse engineering, a critical skill in today's hyper-connected world. This is not simply about understanding how embedded systems work, but about unraveling their complexities, identifying vulnerabilities, and securing them against potential exploits.
Embedded systems pervade our daily lives, from consumer electronics to complex military systems. The security of these devices is paramount, and this course will empower you to ensure that security. You'll learn to reverse engineer embedded systems, peeling back their layers to expose potential entry points for hackers. This isn't just theoretical knowledge, but applied learning that you can put into practice immediately.
The term 'exploitation' in cybersecurity refers to the act of using system vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access or control. This course offers a comprehensive understanding of the types of exploitation in cybersecurity, providing you with the tools to not just identify these vulnerabilities, but also exploit them in a controlled setting. This practice of 'ethical hacking' is a cornerstone of cybersecurity and a powerful means of fortifying systems.
In the Embedded Reversing and Exploitation Bootcamp, you'll not only learn the meaning of exploitation in cybersecurity but also how to leverage that knowledge for the greater good. You'll master the techniques required to expose and exploit weaknesses, then learn how to patch them and prevent future breaches.
This course will guide you to become a skilled practitioner in embedded device security. You'll gain hands-on experience with a variety of architectures, including x86, x64, PowerPC, MIPS, and ARM. As you progress, you'll become adept at identifying, understanding, and mitigating potential security risks in these systems.
The Embedded Reversing and Exploitation Bootcamp is more than just a course - it's a launchpad to a future-proof career in cybersecurity. Sign up today and start your journey toward becoming an invaluable asset in the fight against cyber threats.
Who Should Take This Embedded Reversing and Exploitation Bootcamp?
This bootcamp is designed for a diverse range of professionals who are eager to enhance their proficiency in the challenging and rewarding field of cybersecurity, particularly in the realm of embedded device security. It is especially suited for:
Cybersecurity Professionals: If you're already working in the field of cybersecurity and wish to specialize in embedded reverse engineering and exploitation, this course offers a robust framework and hands-on experience to help you excel in these areas.
Embedded Systems Engineers: Engineers who design or maintain embedded systems will benefit from the course's focus on security in embedded devices. Understanding the potential vulnerabilities in your systems and learning how to mitigate them is a critical skill that this course emphasizes.
IT Professionals: If you're an IT professional keen on expanding your knowledge and skills in cybersecurity, particularly in understanding exploitation meaning in cybersecurity and types of exploitation, this course provides a comprehensive and practical approach.
Security Researchers: For individuals engaged in security research, the ability to reverse engineer embedded systems can provide valuable insights into potential security threats and vulnerabilities. This course will guide you in mastering these techniques.
Technology Enthusiasts: Even if you're not a professional but have a deep interest in cybersecurity, this bootcamp could serve as an exciting and educational journey into the world of embedded device security.
Remember, this bootcamp is not just about knowledge; it's about equipping you with practical skills in identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities, and ultimately, securing embedded systems. If you're ready to dive deep into the world of embedded reversing and exploitation, this course is for you.
Example Course Schedule:
Weeks 1-4: Introduction to Embedded Device Security and Basic Concepts During the first weeks, we'll lay the groundwork by exploring the basics of embedded systems and their security. This foundation will include an understanding of the hardware components, operating systems, and the common vulnerabilities associated with these systems.
Weeks 5-8: Deep Dive into Architectures In this phase, we'll delve into the different architectures, such as x86, x64, PowerPC, MIPS, and ARM. This will encompass understanding the structure, instruction sets, and nuances of each architecture, providing you with a broad knowledge base to work from.
Weeks 9-12: Introduction to Embedded Reverse Engineering Next, we'll venture into the world of reverse engineering. You'll learn the tools, techniques, and strategies employed by professionals to dissect and understand embedded systems. This will equip you with the skills to analyse these systems, identify vulnerabilities, and anticipate potential threats.
Weeks 13-16: Exploitation in Cybersecurity The focus will shift to the meaning of exploitation in cybersecurity, including the types of exploitation. Here, you'll learn how to leverage system vulnerabilities to your advantage. This will involve understanding how exploits work, how to develop them, and most importantly, how to use them ethically.
Weeks 17-20: Advanced Embedded Reverse Engineering and Exploitation These weeks are dedicated to more complex aspects of reverse engineering and exploitation. You'll gain hands-on experience in complex scenarios, learning how to navigate and overcome the hurdles that come with analysing and securing advanced embedded systems.
Weeks 21-24: Capstone Project and Wrap-Up The final weeks of the course will be devoted to a capstone project. You'll apply all the knowledge and skills you've acquired to a real-world scenario, reverse engineering and securing an embedded system. This will serve as both a test of your newfound expertise and a demonstration of your ability to apply what you've learned in a practical context. After the project, we'll wrap up the course and discuss next steps for your continued learning in the field of embedded device security.
Please note: This schedule is subject to change based on the pace of the class and the specific needs of the students.
Prerequisites:
The Embedded Reversing and Exploitation Bootcamp is an intensive course, intended for professionals with a foundational knowledge in cybersecurity and embedded systems. The following prerequisites are recommended for those considering this course:
Familiarity with Embedded Systems: Understanding the basics of embedded systems, including their components, functionality, and common operating systems, will provide a solid foundation for this course.
Proficiency in Programming: Knowledge of programming languages, particularly C/C++, is crucial, as much of the course involves hands-on practical work. Familiarity with Assembly Language is also beneficial but not compulsory.
Basic Cybersecurity Knowledge: Concepts like vulnerabilities, threats, and exploits should not be new to you. A general understanding of network security protocols and practices will also be beneficial.
Understanding of Computer Architecture: A basic understanding of computer hardware and system architectures, such as x86 or ARM, will be advantageous in grasping the course content.
Problem-Solving Mindset: Perhaps the most important prerequisite is a willingness to tackle complex problems and an eagerness to delve deep into the intricacies of embedded systems security.
While these prerequisites will provide an excellent starting point for the bootcamp, we understand that every student's journey is unique. If you lack in one area but excel in another, or if you possess a strong desire to learn, we encourage you to apply. The course is designed to be challenging but achievable, and our instructors are dedicated to your success in mastering embedded device security.
In an era where every embedded device is a potential target, the need for experts in embedded device security has never been greater. The Embedded Reversing and Exploitation Bootcamp offers a unique opportunity to dive deep into the fascinating world of embedded reverse engineering and exploitation in cybersecurity.
This course is designed to empower you with the skills needed to identify and address vulnerabilities in embedded systems. You'll gain hands-on experience in reverse engineering embedded systems, learn the meaning and types of exploitation in cybersecurity, and become proficient in executing ethical exploits to secure these systems.
Understanding security in embedded devices is not just about protecting your organization's assets; it's about contributing to a safer, more secure digital world for everyone. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your cybersecurity skills, expand your career prospects, and make a tangible impact in the realm of cybersecurity.
Secure your place in the Embedded Reversing and Exploitation Bootcamp today, and take the next step in your cybersecurity journey.
About Boston Cybernetics Institute
Boston Cybernetics Institute, PBC was created by former MIT Lincoln Lab cybersecurity researchers to give meaningful niche cyber instruction to a new generation of cybersecurity professionals.
We avoid the normal style of teaching with PowerPoint and lectures, opting to provide instead real-life engaging instruction that takes place in a customized environment. We have given our style of instruction to multiple DoD agencies, US commercial companies, and international companies.
Instructors at Boston Cybernetics Institute
Jeremy Blackthorne
President of the Boston Cybernetics Institute
Jeremy Blackthorne is a Lead Instructor at the Boston Cybernetics Institute (BCI). Before BCI, he was a researcher in the Cyber System Assessments group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory. Blackthorne is the co-creator and instructor for the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) courses: Modern Binary Exploitation, Spring 2015 and Malware Analysis, Spring 2013. Jeremy has published research at various academic and industry conferences. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and is an alumnus of RPISEC. He holds a BS and MS in computer science. Blackthorne was an active member of the Student Security Club and CTF team, RPISEC, from 2012 to 2015, where he taught seminars on Reverse-Engineering, Exploitation, and various other Cybersecurity topics.
Clark Wood
security researcher and instructor
Clark Wood is a security researcher and instructor at the Boston Cybernetics Institute (BCI), focusing on Reverse Engineering, Exploitation, and CI/CD. He recently built a Reverse-Engineering and Exploitation platform for a DoD customer and is the Lead Engineer for BCI’s Government Services. Clark was formerly on the technical staff at MIT Lincoln Laboratory where he was a member of the Cyber System Assessments Group. Clark holds a BA in Economics from the University of Florida, a BS and MS in Computer Science from Florida State University, and a Master’s in Technology and Policy from MIT.
Rodolfo Cuevas
security researcher and instructor
Rodolfo Cuevas is a security researcher and instructor at BCI, where he focuses on understanding how design constraints can be used to limit the impact of an attacker on a system. His research combines the adversarial mindset with approaches influenced by Systems and Control Theory. Rodolfo was a staff member at MIT Lincoln Laboratory and began his career as a RADAR and Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) analyst. Later, Rodolfo transitioned to evaluating and Red-Teaming tactical and commercial cyber systems in support of DoD and other government programs. Rodolfo holds a BS, M.Eng., and M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Cornell University.
Reed Porada
security researcher and instructor
Reed Porada is a security researcher and instructor at BCI, focused on getting to the "so what" of both defensive and offensive cyber measures. Reed also leads BCI training in Cyber Systems Analysis, focusing on developing systems-thinking skills of developers up to managers. Reed was a staff member at MIT Lincoln Laboratory for ten years, where he was responsible for Test and Evaluation, Test Automation Research, Red-Teaming of Cyber Systems, and Blue System Architectures. Reed was a computer scientist at the Naval Research Laboratory focused on wireless communication systems. He holds a BS in Computer Science from the University of Maryland, College Park and an MS in Software Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University.