Independent Validation of IoT Device Security
I help verify that your IoT device's security actually works — using packet capture and real-world testing, not just configuration docs.
Hi, I'm David. I have experience as an embedded cybersecurity engineer and developing in embedded systems. I am passionate about embedded devices and production Over the past few years, I've analyzed real production devices across different industries, from ESP32 and STM32 microcontrollers to full embedded Linux systems running Yocto.
What I've learned: what devices claim to do and what they actually do on the wire are often very different. Configuration settings say "encrypted," but the packets tell a different story. Documentation says "secure pairing," but the Wireshark capture shows plaintext.
That's why I focus on independent validation by observing real device behavior through packet capture, controlled testing, and evidence you can actually see.
Why independent validation matters
Whether you're preparing for market entry, responding to security requirements, or just want to know your device is actually secure, most IoT standards require the same core protections:
Protection Against Unauthorized Access
Authentication mechanisms, access controls, preventing unauthorized device control
Secure Communication
Encryption of sensitive data, secure key exchange, protection of data in transit
Detection & Monitoring
Logging security events, detecting suspicious activity, maintaining audit trails
The challenge: Most standards and regulations tell you what security you need, but not how to prove it actually works. That's where independent validation comes in.
Common frameworks requiring these protections:
Radio Equipment Directive (RED)
Wireless devices sold in EU (effective August 2025)
ETSI EN 303 645
Consumer IoT security baseline
NIST IR 8259 Series
Federal suppliers and NIST-aligned orgs
IEC 62443
Industrial IoT and critical infrastructure
- Devices blocked from market entry
- Regulatory fines and penalties
- Liability for security breaches
- Damage to brand reputation
- Catch issues before production
- Smoother regulatory approvals
- Competitive advantage as security-conscious
- Build customer trust with evidence
What I actually validate
Bluetooth & Wireless Security
I capture Bluetooth traffic before and after pairing to verify encryption is working. I check if key exchange is secure and if plaintext data is exposed.
See evidence →Embedded Linux (Yocto)
Build configuration review, network service scanning (nmap), access control testing, and brute force resistance checks on embedded Linux devices.
See evidence →Network Exposure
Port scans, service enumeration, and testing whether unauthorized network access is possible and logged.
See evidence →Detection & Logging
Verification that your device actually detects and logs security events like failed login attempts or suspicious connections.
See evidence →Evidence over claims
Everything I find is backed by actual evidence: packet captures, system logs, test results. You're not getting a PDF that says "looks good." You're getting Wireshark screenshots, tcpdump outputs, and nmap scans.
This is what regulators, auditors, and your own engineering team can actually trust.
How we work together
Free initial discussion
We talk about your device, what you're worried about, and what compliance requirements you're facing. No sales pitch, just an honest conversation about what makes sense.
Scoping & planning
I'll outline what I'll test, how long it'll take, and what evidence you'll get. You decide if it makes sense for your project.
Testing & validation
I run the tests in a controlled environment with packet captures, network scans, authentication attempts, whatever we agreed on. Everything is documented as I go.
Results & recommendations
You get a report with findings, evidence (screenshots, logs, captures), and practical recommendations. If something's broken, I'll explain what's happening and how to fix it.
Platforms I've tested
I've worked with a range of microcontrollers and embedded systems.
ESP32
Espressif
STM32
STMicroelectronics
SimpleLink
Texas Instruments
u-blox
Cellular modules
Don't see your platform? Reach out. I'm always working with new hardware.
Let's talk about your device
Whether you're launching a new product, preparing for compliance, or just want to know if your security actually works, I'd be happy to help.
Get in touch →Free consultation. No sales pitch. Just an honest conversation.