CypherCon 2025
So… You want to build your own hacking device…
Alex Thines
Abstract:
In this presentation, I will delve into the burgeoning world of small hacking devices, such as the Flipper Zero and WiFi Nugget, providing a comparative analysis of popular microcontroller boards like the Raspberry Pi Pico, ESP series, and Arduino. This discussion will explore their functionalities, use cases, specifications, and cost considerations, highlighting the broader implications for security practices. We will also examine programming environments including MicroPython, CircuitPython, Arduino IDE, and C, assessing their advantages and limitations for different types of projects.
Further, the session will guide attendees on selecting the right components for their projects, such as WiFi shields, displays, and various sensors, and provide practical advice on assembling these components into functional security tools. The talk aims to empower attendees to enhance their security setups or develop new solutions, providing a roadmap from initial concept to prototype development and eventual production, thereby demystifying the technical complexities and equipping them with the knowledge to effectively utilize these tools in their cyber security endeavors.
Importance: This talk is about giving cyber security folks the insight into how to make small hacking devices and how to use them effectively. We’ll dive into the difference that I found while looking into microcontrollers like Raspberry Pi and Arduino, compare their strengths and weaknesses, and chat about which programming languages work best for each. It’s not just theory—we’ll get into how you can actually put these devices together to build cool, functional security tools. By the end, you’ll have a solid roadmap for turning a neat idea into a real-world security solution, making sure you’re well-equipped to tackle whatever security challenges come your way.

Alex Thines
Hacking with all the nuggets and flippers
Alex Thines began his journey as a blue team analyst, he dove into the world of programming. As he sharpened his coding skills, he found not only an enhanced ability to hack but also a newfound love for programming itself. The synergy between hacking and coding intrigued him, urging him to merge the two. After giving talks about drones last year, Alex has a renewed love for making small hacking devices similar to the FlipperZero and Wifi Nugget.