Ensuring the security of embedded systems, IoT devices, and semiconductor components requires a deep understanding of hardware vulnerabilities.
At PCA Cyber Security’s Advanced Hardware Laboratory, we provide comprehensive security assessments, penetration testing, and forensic analysis to uncover risks before they can be exploited.
Our services help industries like automotive, financial services, energy, and critical infrastructure build resilient, secure devices against modern cyber threats.
Hardware Security Challenges
Modern embedded devices and IoT systems integrate complex components, proprietary firmware, and third-party modules, making them susceptible to hardware-based attacks. Common challenges include unsecured debug interfaces, side-channel attack risks, weak cryptographic implementations, and firmware vulnerabilities.
How Can PCA Cyber Security Help You?
Our Advanced Hardware Laboratory provides professional testing capabilities to identify and mitigate hardware security risks. Using specialized tools and techniques, we assess vulnerabilities across semiconductors, microcontrollers (MCUs), secure elements, and full embedded systems. Our services help manufacturers, automotive OEMs, industrial operators, and IoT developers secure their products against real-world threats.
Advanced Hardware Security Laboratory services
The targets for Advanced Hardware Security Laboratory
Our Advanced Hardware Laboratory is designed to test a wide range of embedded systems, IoT devices, and critical hardware components across various industries.
Key targets include:
Industrial & Critical
Infrastructure
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) – Securing ICS/SCADA systems against cyber threats
- Smart Meters & Energy Systems – Hardware penetration testing for grid security and resilience
- Industrial IoT Devices (IIoT) – Evaluating connectivity risks in manufacturing and automation
Automotive &
Transportation
- Electronic Control Units (ECUs) – Security validation for infotainment, telematics, and ADAS systems
- Vehicle Communication Modules – Securing CAN, LIN, and Ethernet-based automotive networks
- EV Charging Stations & Power Electronics – Hardware security assessments for ISO 15118 & OCPP compliance
Financial &
Payment Systems
- Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminals – Protecting against tampering, skimming, and unauthorized data access
- ATMs & Banking Hardware – Security validation of encryption mechanisms, firmware integrity, and authentication systems
Consumer &
IoT Devices
- Smart Home Products – Security assessments for smart locks, cameras, and connected appliances
- Medical Devices & Wearables – Evaluating hardware security for patient safety and data protection
- Secure Elements & Cryptographic Chips – Testing chip-level security features and side-channel resistance
Our Hardware Security Services
Key Testing Capabilities
PCA Cyber Security’s Advanced Hardware Laboratory specializes in comprehensive security assessments to detect and mitigate hardware vulnerabilities, ensuring embedded devices and IoT systems are cyberattack-resistant before deployment. Without proper security validation, attackers can exploit these weaknesses to gain unauthorized access, extract sensitive data, or manipulate device functionality.
Key Threats Addressed by Our Services
Multi-Layered Hardware Security Analysis
Silicon-Level
Security Analysis
Focus: Physical chip examination to detect backdoors, implants, and hidden modifications.
Methods: Imaging, etching, spectroscopy, and micro probing.
Semiconductor-Level
Security Analysis
Focus: Evaluating electrical behaviour and fault resistance in ICs and microcontrollers.
Methods: Circuit analysis, fault injection, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Chip-Level
Security Analysis
Focus: Testing the functional behaviour of semiconductor components to uncover design vulnerabilities.
Methods: JTAG debugging, logic-level testing, boundary scan analysis.
Logic-Level
Security Analysis
Focus: Identifying weaknesses in digital logic circuits and cryptographic co-processors.
Methods: RTL testing, FPGA analysis, and formal verification.
Firmware-Level
Security Analysis
Focus: Assessing low-level firmware interactions with embedded hardware.
Methods: Binary reverse engineering, vulnerability scanning, and secure boot analysis.
Code-Level
Security Analysis
Focus: Reviewing embedded software and cryptographic algorithms for security flaws.
Methods: Static & dynamic code analysis, fuzz testing, and secure coding audits.
Forensic & Intelligence-Level
Security Analysis
Focus: Recovering compromised data, analysing security breaches, and ensuring compliance.
Methods: Data extraction, forensic reconstruction, and IP protection audits.
Reverse Engineering &
Exploit Development
We conduct hardware and firmware reverse engineering to uncover hidden functionalities, undocumented backdoors, and exploitable bugs.
Objective of the Service
Our Advanced Hardware Laboratory is dedicated to identifying hardware security risks before mass production, ensuring compliance with cybersecurity regulations such as ISO 21434, IEC 62443, and NIST. Through rigorous testing, we help protect sensitive data and cryptographic keys from extraction while securing embedded devices against tampering, reverse engineering, and side-channel attacks. By proactively addressing vulnerabilities, we enhance product resilience and safeguard critical systems from real-world threats.
Business Benefits of Advanced Hardware Security Testing
End-to-End
Hardware Security
From IC-level to firmware analysis, ensuring devices resist fault injection, electromagnetic analysis, and power-based exploits.
Early Threat Detection &
Risk Mitigation
Address hardware vulnerabilities before deployment, reducing cyberattack risks.
Compliance with
Industry Standards
Meet security regulations such as ISO 21434, IEC 62443, and NIST.
Protection Against Physical &
Side-Channel Attacks
Ensure devices resist fault injection, electromagnetic analysis, and power-based exploits.
Competitive Advantage in
Secure Product Development
Demonstrate robust security to customers, partners, and regulators.
Reduced Costs &
Liability Risks
Minimize financial impact from product recalls, security breaches, and compliance violations.
Get a customized Hardware Security Assessment Today!
Ensure your embedded devices, IoT systems, and industrial hardware are secure from cyber threats. Contact PCA Cyber Security today to schedule an Advanced Hardware Laboratory assessment. Request a free consultation!
Client
and Partner Testimonials
We work with a wide range of companies across various industries, such as automotive, energy, financial services, and more.
"We can recommend PCAutomotive for their professional penetration testing service."
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Why PCA Cyber Security?
Your security is our mission - safeguarding your critical assets
Proven track record
- 100+ successful international cybersecurity assessment projects
- 50+ vulnerabilities found (2024)
- Uncovered critical vulnerabilities in top automotive brands
Team of Product Security Experts
- Advanced expertise in embedded penetration testing
- Exceptional in-house toolset and personnel (CyberLab, CyberGarage)
- Product-focused Threat Intelligence Platform (TICAP) and monitoring services
Professional Recognition
- TISAX ® (Trusted Information Security Assessment eXchange) accreditation
- Repeated winners of Pwn2Own Automotive (Tokyo, January 2024 and 2025)
- Presented talks at the following conferences like Black Hat Europe, Black Hat Asia, Hexacon, Escar, Hacktivity and more