A Connected Device Is More Than Its Network Connection
A network penetration test may show whether an attacker can reach a connected device. Hardware and device penetration testing also examines firmware, local interfaces, wireless communications, service functions, and update processes.
Depending on the scope, testing may cover the physical device, embedded software, stored data, communications, and the applications or services the product relies on.
We plan each engagement around the product’s intended use and the risks a compromise could create.
What Hardware and Device Penetration
Testing Can Assess
Hardware
and
Local Interfaces
Debug Interfaces and Internal Communications
Firmware
and
Update Processes
Authentication
and
Privileged Access
Wireless and
Network
Communications
Data Storage
and
Transmission
Connected
Applications
and Services
Testing for Connected and Specialized Products
We can tailor hardware and device penetration testing for products such as:
Our Hardware and Device Penetration Testing Process
Define the Scope
and Objectives
We confirm the product version, components in scope, operating environment, available documentation, testing goals, and boundaries.
Review the Hardware
and Attack Surface
Our testers review the device architecture, circuit board, components, headers, debug interfaces, firmware, communications, accounts, and supporting systems. When needed, we map non-standard pinouts and build custom connections for testing.
Test Approved
Attack Paths
We combine technical tools with hands-on analysis to evaluate the components in scope and determine whether an attacker can exploit identified weaknesses.
Assess the
Potential Impact
We determine what an attacker could access or change, whether the weakness could expose sensitive data, and how it could affect the product or connected environment.
Report
and Validate
You receive prioritized findings with technical evidence, risk context, and remediation guidance. Targeted follow-up testing can confirm that fixes work as intended.
Reporting Built for Product and Security Teams
CISO Global reports show what our team tested, how we found each weakness, what it could allow, and how to address it.
Product and engineering teams receive the technical evidence needed to investigate and correct findings. Security and business leaders receive a concise summary of how the highest-risk issues could affect users, data, operations, or connected systems.
When Hardware and Device Penetration Testing Is the Right Fit
Hardware and device testing may be appropriate when your organization:
- Plans to release or deploy a connected product
- Develops medical devices, IoT products, embedded systems, or other specialized equipment
- Recently updated firmware or introduced new connectivity or remote-management capabilities
- Needs to evaluate debug interfaces, custom ports, or internal device communications
- Is preparing for a customer, partner, procurement, or regulatory review
- Wants to understand how a compromised device could affect users, data, or connected systems
Why CISO Global
Hardware-Level
Testing
Experience
Testing Built
Around the
Product
Manual
Risk-Based
Testing
Clear Reporting
and Remediation
Guidance
Put Your Connected Product to the Test
Identify weaknesses in hardware, firmware, interfaces, and communications before release or after major product changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hardware and device penetration testing?
Hardware and device penetration testing evaluates the security of a physical product, its embedded software, and its connections to other systems. The scope may include firmware, local interfaces, authentication, wireless communications, network traffic, data handling, and supporting services.
How is device penetration testing different from network penetration testing?
A network penetration test primarily examines systems and services reachable through the network. Device penetration testing also examines embedded software, physical interfaces, firmware updates, service functions, wireless protocols, and other product-specific attack paths.
What kinds of products can be tested?
We can scope engagements for medical devices, IoT products, embedded systems, wireless equipment, and other connected or specialized devices. The testing approach depends on the architecture and intended use of the product.
What access will your testers need?
Access depends on the objectives of the engagement. Your team may provide physical test units, firmware files, product documentation, test credentials, architecture information, schematics, or access to supporting systems. We confirm the required materials during scoping.
Will testing damage the device?
We agree on testing methods and safeguards in advance to minimize the risk of damage. Some engagements may use spring-pin connections, custom wiring, or limited soldering. We do not perform destructive testing or side-channel analysis, and we do not remove soldered components. We may remove socketed components when we can do so without damaging the device.
Can testing support medical device or IoT product validation?
Testing can provide independent evidence of how product security controls perform and identify issues to address before release or deployment. The scope can align with customer and procurement requirements, product security goals, or applicable regulations. Penetration testing does not by itself establish compliance or product approval.
When should hardware and device penetration testing be performed?
Testing can be performed before product release, after significant firmware or hardware changes, when adding new connectivity or remote-management capabilities, or as part of ongoing product security validation. Testing earlier in the product lifecycle can also give engineering teams more time to address identified weaknesses before deployment.