Car Hacking 101 Course

Course Description

Cars are no longer just a means of transportation. They are now computers on wheels, with sophisticated technologies that can be hacked just like any other device. This means that automotive hacking is becoming a major concern for companies and the US military, and that's why it's essential for IT professionals to have a deep understanding of automotive security.

The Boston Cybernetics Institute's Car Hacking 101 course is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of car hacking and help IT professionals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to protect vehicles from cyber attacks. In this course, you will learn about the different types of car hacking, the tools and techniques used by hackers, and the latest developments in automotive security.

In this car hacking course, our expert instructors will guide you through hands-on exercises using car hacking devices, car hacker apps, and car hacking software. You will also learn how to detect and prevent car hacking attacks, as well as how to respond to security breaches. By the end of the course, you will have a deep understanding of automotive hacking in cybersecurity and be able to apply this knowledge to your organization's IT security strategy.

Who Should Take This Car Hacking Training?

  1. Automotive manufacturers and suppliers: Ideal for those who want to ensure the security of their vehicles and systems.
  2. Fleet managers: Beneficial for protecting vehicles from potential cyber threats.
  3. Government agencies: Useful for maintaining safety and security in their fleets.
  4. Cybersecurity professionals: Looking to specialize in automotive IT security.

This course covers essential knowledge and skills for professionals in the automotive industry, particularly those concerned with security in cars. It is also relevant for cybersecurity experts and government officials looking to ensure protection against potential cyber threats.

Learning Topics

  1. Hardware
  2. RF signals
  3. Software systems
  4. Hardware systems
  5. Cyber-Physical Systems
  6. Infrastructure

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of automotive security, including the risks associated with car hacking.
  • Gain practical skills in car hacking techniques and tools.
  • Learn how to reverse engineer automotive systems and conduct penetration testing.
  • Acquire technical knowledge of automotive systems security measures.
  • Analyze real-world examples of car hacking incidents.
  • Understand the legal and ethical considerations of car hacking.

Prerequisites

  • Basic knowledge of computer systems and networks.
  • Familiarity with cybersecurity concepts.

Required Hardware/Software

Students are expected to bring their own laptops with the following configuration:

  • 50 GB of free hard disk space
  • 16 GB of RAM
  • 4 Processor cores
  • VMWare or Virtual Box to import an OVA file

Example Course Schedule:

Day 1:

  • Introduction to automotive security and car hacking
  • Understanding automotive systems and architecture
  • Identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in car systems
  • Hands-on exercises using car hacking tools

Day 2:

  • Reverse engineering automotive systems
  • Conducting penetration testing and vulnerability scanning
  • Implementing cryptography and secure coding practices
  • Analyzing real-world examples of car hacking incidents

Day 3:

  • Legal and ethical considerations of car hacking
  • Developing effective security controls
  • Best practices for preventing and responding to car hacking incidents
  • Final project: designing and implementing a secure automotive system

About Boston Cybernetics Institute

Boston Cybernetics Institute, PBC was created by former MIT Lincoln Lab cybersecurity researchers to provide meaningful cyber instruction for a new generation of cybersecurity professionals.

Instructors at Boston Cybernetics Institute

Jeremy Blackthorne

  • Role: President of the Boston Cybernetics Institute
  • Background: Lead Instructor at BCI, researcher at MIT Lincoln Laboratory.

Clark Wood

  • Role: Security researcher and instructor
  • Background: Formerly on the technical staff at MIT Lincoln Laboratory.

Rodolfo Cuevas

  • Role: Security researcher and instructor
  • Background: Former staff member at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, focused on Red-Teaming cyber systems.

Reed Porada

  • Role: Security researcher and instructor
  • Background: Former staff member at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, focused on wireless communication systems.