Hardware Penetration Testing
Assessment of physical and embedded devices, from IoT and industrial controls to medical equipment, including the firmware and protocols behind them.
What is a hardware penetration test?
A hardware penetration test assesses physical and embedded devices for security weaknesses, covering the device itself, its firmware, and the way it communicates. This applies to Internet of Things (IoT) products, industrial control systems, medical equipment, and other connected hardware where a compromise can have physical or safety consequences.
What we test
- Device analysis: examining interfaces, debug ports and physical access paths an attacker could use.
- Firmware assessment: extracting and reviewing firmware for hardcoded secrets, insecure update mechanisms and known vulnerabilities.
- Communication protocols: evaluating wired and wireless protocols for weak authentication, encryption and tampering resistance.
- Physical security: how resistant the device is to tampering and local attacks.
- Specialised tooling: using hardware-specific equipment where deeper inspection is required.
Who needs a hardware penetration test?
Manufacturers and operators of connected devices, particularly where the device handles sensitive data, controls physical processes, or is deployed in environments an attacker could reach.
What the process looks like
Hardware engagements are scoped individually, since the right depth depends on the device and the testing required. We agree the scope and tier of testing up front, and the report sets out each finding with its impact and the steps needed to address it.