Tactical Cyber Operations develops advanced hands-on capability for designing, deploying, and operating covert, network-connected single-board computer (SBC) platforms in contested or constrained environments. Students learn to build and configure Linux-based SBCs for wireless reconnaissance, IoT protocol analysis, out-of-band communications, and persistent remote access. The course emphasizes operational tradecraft, attribution risk management, device hardening, and tamper detection while balancing functionality and stealth. Students progress from hardware build and wireless sensing to cloud-enabled command-and-control, peripheral exploitation, and OPSEC-aware deployment. The course concludes with a mission-driven Culmination Exercise (CULEX) requiring students to design, deploy, and validate a non-attributable leave-behind device that enables remote access and data collection under defined constraints.
Intended Audience: This course is intended for advanced cyber operators, red team personnel, intelligence support specialists, and technical practitioners who require hands-on experience deploying covert, network-enabled devices for sensing, access, and remote operations. Students should have prior experience with Linux systems, networking fundamentals, and basic scripting. Familiarity with wireless technologies or IoT concepts is beneficial but not required.