This class marks the transition point from consumer hardware exploitation into the industrial OT domain. The instructor explains how UART is embedded not only in small devices but also in PLCs, controllers, and other industrial systems, often forming the backbone of RS232, RS422, and RS485 communication. Students learn how UART access on OT devices can expose process logic, control flows, and critical system logs, with the potential to impact production lines and safety mechanisms.

This session also serves as the entry point to Classes 05–11, a continuous track where students progressively build the capabilities required to execute a full real-world ICS/OT (industrial control systems / Operational Technology) penetration test. From here onward, each class layers new exploitation techniques on top of the last, taking students from reconnaissance on OT lines all the way to active manipulation and command injection in live control systems.

Learning Objective
Understand UART’s role in OT environments and its exploitation potential.

Training Outcomes

• Identify UART presence in OT devices.

• Understand how UART maps to OT protocols.

• Recognize the risks of UART exploitation in ICS.

Hands-On Experience

• Inspect PLCs or OT hardware for UART headers.

• Capture UART messages from industrial devices.

• Document connections between UART and process control.