What is a Hardware Hacker?

A very interesting sub-category in the hacking universe, a hardware hacker is someone that engages in the hacking or modifying of consumer electronics. These electronics typically include things like Android or Apple smart phones, and video game consoles such as the Xbox One, Playstation 4 or Nintendo Switch. Hacking these systems allows consumers to utilize the full power of their electronics, such as installing custom firmware, fixing manufacturer's bugs, or enhancing features already present. These hackers are a mostly harmless crowd, and are most of the time seen as hobbyists. In almost all instances, there is no exchange of money for the services performed by these hackers.

For example, let's say you have an Android smartphone from the year 2013. This thing is getting pretty old, and the last update you got seemed to slow down the phone a considerable amount. Seeing as how your phone doesn't have modular hardware, your options are limited. Alas, you find a solution online that allows you to install a custom version of Android that will work better than the official update. However, you will have to 'root' your phone for this to work. Since most manufacturers are against giving root access to consumers, you will have to hack your phone to get this custom version of Android to work.

Luckily for you, there is a thriving Android community on the internet, complete with every tool you could possibly need to accomplish any goal with virtually any smartphone. These communities have become commonplace on the internet, not just for smartphone hacking, but for video game console hacking as well. Interestingly, rooting your phone was considered illegal under the DMCA until a law was passed in 2014, making it legal for anyone to gain complete access over their phones.

Another great example of hardware hacking is the recently discovered flaw in all Nintendo Switch consoles in existence. A group of hackers were able to run unsigned code via a flaw in the Switch's GPU (hardware developed by Nvidia) and install a portable version of Linux on one of the consoles. The hacking of this console also opens up the ability to emulate older video game systems, such as the PS1 or Super Nintendo. While this is a boon for owners of the Switch, it is terrible news for Nintendo, as the hacking of these systems can open the floodgates for game piracy.

Next up

Previous

Ethics of Hacking