In a constrained operational environment the TSCM technician is often called upon to improvise techniques and repurpose commercial equipment to be successful. This commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) TSCM course focuses on commercial RF and pentesting gear to give the TSCM operator options where high grade equipment is limited or not available. We will also explore alternative detection techniques where traditional TSCM gear may fall short.

Much of this course will explore the possibilities of using commercial WiFi, Bluetooth and software defined radio (SDR) gear in an investigative fashion. This will include leveraging hardware like the WiFi Pineapple and HackRF as well as software including TEMPEST SDR and HackRF Sweep.

In addition, students will learn how to use COTS radio and pentesting gear to augment or replace equipment in constrained operational theaters. This knowledge will be reinforced with daily exercises and will continue to be fostered through student take home equipment and training devices.

Topics will include finding rogue Bluetooth clients, finding rogue WiFi clients, locating rogue access points, leveraging the WiFi Pineapple for device detection and location, using software defined radios for TSCM, host defense techniques, leveraging pentesting gear for host defense, and basic Linus familiarization.