Hacking Hardware: Penetration Testing and Defenses for Hardware-Based Attacks

Rheinwerk Publishing, Inc · Tobias Scheible

Jul 2026 · Packt Publishing Ltd

Ebook

647

Pages

Tools

About this ebook

See how attackers exploit hardware, wireless connections, and peripheral devices. Practice penetration testing, red teaming, awareness training, and defensive countermeasures for real systems.Key Features

Hardware attack scenarios expose USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RFID, and wired LAN system weaknesses
Security awareness methods connect technical vulnerabilities with safer workplace behavior
Defensive guidance pairs practical pentest devices with analysis and suitable countermeasures

Book DescriptionHardware can create an attack surface even when software controls appear strong. The opening chapters frame penetration testing and red teaming from the attacker's perspective, explain how vulnerabilities are identified, and use practical test scenarios to show how simple devices can compromise infrastructure. Attention then shifts to the human layer of defense. Readers examine security awareness training, successful teaching methods, and realistic exercises that help teams recognize suspicious devices and unsafe behavior. This emphasis connects technical findings with repeatable procedures that reduce exposure before an incident occurs. The final section surveys pentest hardware and real attack paths involving spy gadgets, keyloggers, USB interfaces, wireless signals, RFID, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, wired LANs, and multipurpose hacking devices. Guidance on analyzing detected hardware and selecting countermeasures keeps the focus on prevention as well as discovery. By the end of this journey, readers can plan practical hardware-focused assessments, communicate risks, and strengthen defenses against device-based attacks.What you will learn

Perform structured IT security penetration tests
Apply red teaming methods to realistic scenarios
Design effective security awareness training
Assess USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RFID, and LAN attack paths
Identify threats from loggers, spy gadgets, and pentest tools
Select countermeasures for hardware-based vulnerabilities

Who this book is for

Written for security administrators, IT consultants, developers, and administration teams responsible for protecting systems and infrastructure. It is especially useful for professionals planning penetration tests, security awareness programs, or defenses against hardware-based attacks.

See how attackers exploit hardware, wireless connections, and peripheral devices. Practice penetration testing, red teaming, awareness training, and defensive countermeasures for real systems.Key Features Hardware attack scenarios expose USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RFID, and wired LAN system weaknesse...

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About the author

The Rheinwerk Computing series offers new and established professional comprehensive guidance to enrich the readers' skillsets and enhance their career prospects. Their publications are written by leading experts in the fields of programming, administration, security, analytics, and more. Each book is detailed and hands-on to help readers develop essential, practical skills that they can apply to their daily work.

Tobias Scheible taught and conducted research in the field of IT security at Albstadt-Sigmaringen University for more than eleven years. Since 2023, he has been a lecturer at the Institute for Continuing Education at the Baden-Württemberg Police University, where he works in the Cybercrime and Digital Traces department. There, he develops innovative training courses in the field of cybercrime and IT forensics for individuals from investigative authorities. His focus is on the implementation of target group-oriented hybrid teaching and learning arrangements. He is also involved at the European level in e-learning courses for first-time learners. In addition, he gives cybersecurity lectures and workshops as a freelance speaker.

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