# 058 - Technically Met the Specs

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast-752753/058-technically-met-the-specs
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast-752753/058-technically-met-the-specs.md
Podcast: [Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast-752753)
Published: 2022-06-15T06:09:57+00:00
Episode link: https://unnamedre.com/episode/58
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/reverseengineering/episode_058.mp3?dest-id=552832
Processing state: processed
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast-752753/episodes/058-technically-met-the-specs
Duration seconds: 5322

## Resource

A high-energy interview recorded live at the Hardware I.O. conference featuring Eric Schlaepfer, author of 'Open Circuits'. The discussion moves from childhood hardware hacking and the importance of social interaction to the complexities of dual-use technology and hardware security.

## Highlights
- Main idea: Hardware reverse engineering is entering a 'golden age' driven by advancements in photography and sample preparation
- Practical takeaway: Using 'crackmes'—small, pre-made software protection tutorials—is an effective way to practice software reverse engineering skills
- Failure mode: Legislating specific technologies (like 3D printers) often fails because bad actors will bypass restrictions, leading to unintended consequences
- Main idea: The dual-use nature of technology makes it inherently difficult to regulate without harming legitimate innovation
- Personal insight: In-person technical conferences serve as a vital 'recharge' for engineers who rely on social interaction to maintain productivity

## Topics

Hardware Reverse Engineering, Hardware Security, IoT Security, Embedded Systems, Bluetooth Security, 3D Printing, Hardware I.O, Open Circuits

## Chapters
- 1:00 — Live from Hardware I.O.: Introduction to the conference atmosphere and meeting Eric Schlaepfer.
- 8:00 — The Art of the Hack: Eric shares a story about his first 'hack' involving a broken toy giraffe and the importance of seeing inside hardware.
- 14:00 — The Golden Age of Reverse Engineering: A discussion on the current state of the industry and the impact of modern imaging on hardware analysis.
- 28:00 — Hardware Security and Research: Insights into hardware security research and the origins of interest in electronics.
- 34:00 — Essential Tools and Ghidra: A look at favorite tools, from specialized soldering irons to the utility of Ghidra.
- 1:01:00 — Tech, Law, and Unintended Consequences: A debate on the ethics of NFTs and the difficulty of legislating dual-use technologies like 3D printing.
- 1:15:00 — Closing and Consulting: Final rapid-fire questions and information on Ice9 Consulting.

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## Transcript

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