This week, Zac dials in with Len Noe, the world's first "augmented ethical hacker" (of course by that... we mean CYBORG!). Len has implanted 10 microchips between his elbows and fingers, which he can leverage to execute a variety of offensive security attacks. Len walks us through his journey of developing new techniques using implantable technologies, as well as how he fortifies his own personal security using these implants. Easily one of the most interesting humans in our generation.
Len is also an author with a new book "Human Hacked: My Life and Lessons as the World's First Augmented Ethical Hacker" coming out October 29th!
Pre-order for Len's book: https://www.amazon.com/Human-Hacked-Lessons-Augmented-Ethical/dp/1394269161
Len's implant manufacturer: https://dangerousthings.com/
Len's body mechanic: https://www.shamanmods.com/
Episode Summary
In Episode 22 of War Stories, host Zac Davis dials in with Len Noe, known as the world's first augmented ethical hacker. Len has implanted 10 microchips between his elbows and fingers, plus a magnet in his pinky, and uses them to carry out offensive security attacks and to protect his own personal security. They talk about how he went from black hat to ethical hacker, how his implants work, and where human augmentation is heading.
Len spent much of his youth and early adulthood as a black hat. His first hack was on a Commodore 64 and his first network attack was on an isolated token ring network. Becoming a grandfather changed everything, and he decided it was time to use his skills the right way. His interest in implants traces back to Grindhouse Wetware, a Pittsburgh group that made headlines around 2014 and 2015 for experimenting with body modification technology.
Len explains how RFID and NFC implants change the threat model for physical security. He can capture badge data, write it to a chip in his hand, leave his phone and cloning gear in the car, and walk in carrying everything he needs. Even if he is caught, a wave of his hand near anything that reads RFID or NFC could deliver an attack. His next project is implanting a single-board computer running an offensive Linux distribution in his leg, so he can bring automated wireless and Bluetooth attacks into areas where technology is restricted.
In This Episode
- Len Noe's journey from black hat hacker to augmented ethical hacker
- How RFID and NFC microchip implants work for offensive security
- Using implants to clone badges and bypass physical security controls
- Why technology-restricted areas may not stop augmented attackers
- The future of human augmentation, single-board computer implants, and security
Are Your Physical Controls Ready for What Is Coming?
Badge systems and technology restrictions were not designed with implanted devices in mind. SEVN-X runs physical security assessments, red team engagements, and penetration tests that show how modern attackers would approach your environment. Talk with our team about scoping a test for your organization.
