Decoding the Digital DNA: Insights into Embedded Hardware Forensics for IoT Devices and Robot Dogs

In the interconnected realm of Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics, each device tells a story far beyond its functions, embedded within the very hardware it operates on. Embedded hardware forensics is the scientific art of extracting, analyzing, and interpreting the data sequestered in the physical components of electronic devices. This field has become increasingly pivotal as IoT devices and robots weave themselves into the fabric of daily life, handling everything from personal data to critical infrastructure operations.

What is Embedded Hardware Forensics? Embedded hardware forensics delves into the microcosm of electronic devices, investigating their internal hardware components such as circuit boards, memory chips, and processors. Unlike traditional forensics, which often focuses on software and data, this niche zeroes in on the physical aspects of the devices. It aims to uncover how a device operates, stores data, and interacts with other systems—all without the original software environment or network.

Main Steps in Conducting a Forensics Investigation on IoT Devices and Robots:

1. Preparation and Planning

• Understanding Device Architecture: This initial phase involves gathering all available technical documentation and specifications of the device. This helps in understanding the hardware layout, software dependencies, and network configurations.
• Tool Selection: Depending on the device’s complexity, tools like screwdrivers, multimeters, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers are selected for hardware examination. Software tools might include firmware analysis tools like Binwalk or IDA Pro for disassembling and examining binary files.

2. Acquisition

• Physical Acquisition: Directly accessing and copying the data from the physical storage of the device. This might involve desoldering memory chips from the device to clone them using a device like the BruschettaBoard or a universal memory programmer.
• Logical Acquisition: Interfacing with the device's standard communication ports (such as USB, UART, JTAG) to extract data. Tools like OpenOCD and/or Flashrom can be used to interface with these ports and help in creating a bit-by-bit image of the storage.

3. Analysis

• Data Analysis: Once data is extracted, it's parsed and analyzed to reconstruct the filesystem, examine logs, and recover deleted files. Tools like The Sleuth Kit (TSK) can help in analyzing file systems and Autopsy for a graphical analysis.
• Reverse Engineering: Firmware and any custom operating systems are reverse-engineered to understand device operations and to identify any vulnerabilities. Ghidra or Radare2 are powerful for these purposes, offering capabilities to dissect and interpret code.

4. Reporting

• Documentation: Detailed records of the investigation process, findings, and the tools used are documented. This is crucial for legal proceedings or further analysis. Documentation tools could include simple detailed notes or digital forensic reporting tools like CaseNotes.
• Expert Testimony: If needed, the forensic expert may need to present the findings in legal settings, requiring clear, understandable explanations of the technical details and the implications of the findings.

5. Presentation

• Educational Outreach: The results and methodologies can be shared through educational channels to enhance the knowledge base of other forensic professionals or the general public interested in security. Presentations at conferences, workshops, or blog posts are common platforms.
• Technical Sharing: For a technical audience, sharing detailed technical processes, challenges encountered, and solutions via platforms like GitHub, technical forums, or specialized webinars can help in community building and professional development.

Conclusion Embedded hardware forensics is a critical but often underappreciated field that plays a significant role in securing and understanding the digital devices that populate our modern landscape. From smart homes to industrial robots, the security and integrity of these devices impact daily operations and privacy. By dissecting the physical components and uncovering the data within, forensic experts can help ensure these devices perform as intended and are safeguarded against malicious exploits.

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The Embedded Hardware Forensics Training is a 4/5 days hands-on course in live, designed to fulfill the technological gap that in the recent years emerged within the DFIR scene in respect of (I)IoT field. #HardwareForensics #DFIR #CertifiedEmbeddedHardwareForensicsExpert

The Embedded Hardware Forensics Training is a 4/5 days hands-on course?in live, designed to fulfill the technological gap that in the recent years emerged within the DFIR scene in respect of IIoT field.

This course is an unique opportunity to enhance the skills of DFIR professionals that are going to be involved in investigations involving unusual devices: IoT appliances, hardware implants, ATM skimmers, smart devices, Industrial IoT gateways/sensors, etc. What students will receive during the training:

• Dedicated IoT/Embedded Hardware devices for practical Forensics hands-on (available only on-site)

• Hardware Tools for hands-on: Multimeter, SOC-8/16 sockets clips, SPI Flash chips, Logic Analyzer, Micro Probes, multi-protocol JTAG/UART/SPI/I2C detector and analyzer, etc. (available only on-site)

• Training material (to bring home after the class) :

1. Slides, Scripts, Tools, etc.
2. A NANDo-Board DIY Kit (A multi-purpose programmer and memory dumper)
3. A paper workbook with more than 40 walkthrough exercises and valuable tips
4. A 32GB USB 3.0 flashdrive with NdujaOS: A Live distro Fully Customized for HW Forensics Investigations
5. A Challenge Coin (with an unique serial number for each student) to show with pride you attended this course!
6. A free voucher to attempt the exam for the CEHFE (Certified Embedded Hardware Forensics Expert) certification