Embedded systems: a comprehensive introduction

OffSec Learning Path: Internet of Things (IoT) Essentials

Embark on a journey into the world of embedded systems and gain a holistic understanding of their design, components, and inner workings. This Learning Path covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of embedded systems and hardware/software interfaces to common operating systems, firmware analysis, and ARM assembly. Learners will:

Explore the hardware/software boundary and common embedded operating systems
Learn about firmware, its common image formats, and analysis tools
Dive into ARM assembly language and architecture

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Explore the world of embedded systems

This Learning Path empowers you with the technical skills essential for understanding and working with embedded systems. In an era where embedded devices are increasingly prevalent in various industries, gain a solid foundation in embedded system basics, master firmware analysis techniques, and dive into the ARM architecture – all tailored to the unique world of embedded devices.

Who is this Learning Path for?

Embedded systems professionals seeking a comprehensive understanding of fundamentals
Developers and engineers looking to expand their knowledge of embedded system design
Curious learners wanting hands-on experience with firmware analysis and ARM assembly

Learning objectives

Gain a solid understanding of embedded system basics, architecture, and design
Explore the hardware/software boundary and common embedded operating systems
Master firmware analysis techniques and tools, including Binwalk and unblob
Learn ARM assembly language and architecture through hands-on exercises
Write and execute programs in ARM assembly, including "Hello World" examples

Key modules in the Internet of Things (IoT) Essentials Learning Path

Introduction to Embedded Systems

Introduction to embedded systems of all kinds, including some basic hardware and operating system concepts.

Introduction to Attacking Embedded Systems

Introduction to concepts and techniques required when preparing to attack embedded systems.

Firmware Analysis Basics

The fundamentals of firmware analysis.

Automated Firmware Unpackers

Introduction to two of the most useful automated firmware unpackers, along with an assessment of their relative pros and cons.

Introduction to ARM Assembly, Part I

Introduction to 32 bit ARM assembly, including registers, stack, common instructions, comparisons, jumps and calls

Introduction to ARM Assembly, Part II

Introduction to 64 bit ARM assembly, including registers, stack, common instructions, comparisons, jumps and calls

The Art of Crafting Shellcodes (Linux ARM64 Edition)

This topic covers how to create shellcodes using system calls on Linux ARM64 machines. It goes through in detail how to create a bind shell and execve shellcode. Finally it covers how to transform a C code to shellcode.

View full syllabus

Internet of Things overview

modules

hours of content (approx.)

labs

Earning an OffSec Learning Badge

Showcase your growing IoT security proficiency! Upon completing 80% of the Internet of Things (IoT) Essentials Learning Path, you'll receive an exclusive OffSec badge signifying:

IoT expertise: Proven knowledge of the fundamentals of embedded systems
Industry recognition: Adds a powerful OffSec credential to your skillset
Hands-on skill: Demonstrated ability to identify and exploit IoT flaws