Red Team Alliance

PACS 301

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Course Overview

PACS 301 is the capstone course for Red Team Alliance's offensive PACS curriculum. This intensive full-day course brings together everything students have learned across the PACS program and puts it to the test through a series of challenging labs, real-world scenarios, and hands-on tool building. Students will construct their own field tools, learn operational considerations for PACS engagements, and solve complex challenges that require creative thinking and mastery of the techniques covered in prior modules.

This is not a lecture-heavy course. Students will spend the majority of their time building, experimenting, troubleshooting, and solving problems. Challenges are scenario-based and designed to simulate the unusual situations encountered during real-world engagements. Some challenges are team-based while others are solo, and students will have latitude to find their own solution paths using all the tools at their disposal.

What You'll Learn

Operational Considerations for PACS Engagements

  • When to Use Which Approach: Choosing the Right Tool and Technique
  • Risk Assessment and Operational Security
  • Engagement Planning and Scoping
  • Documentation and Reporting Considerations

Build Lab: Wiegand Multi-Technology Datalogger (WMD)

  • Understanding the WMD Architecture
  • Hands-On Assembly and Configuration
  • Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases
  • Long-Range Reader Integration

Build Lab: Long-Range Reader Systems

  • Long-Range Reader Principles and Components
  • Hands-On Assembly and Testing
  • Tuning and Optimization for Field Use
  • Covert Deployment Considerations

Advanced ESPKey Techniques

  • Beyond Capture: Credential Injection Attacks
  • Advanced Configuration and Customization
  • Combining ESPKey with Other Tools
  • Hands-On: Injection Attack Scenarios

Covert Considerations and Tool Concealment

  • Operational Realities of Covert Tool Deployment
  • Concealment Strategies and Packaging
  • Building Tools into Everyday Objects
  • Balancing Functionality with Discretion

Advanced Debugging and Troubleshooting

  • When Things Don't Work: Systematic Debugging Approaches
  • Signal Analysis and Diagnosis
  • Common Failure Modes and How to Overcome Them
  • Building Your Field Debugging Kit

Attack Chain Development

  • Combining Techniques into Effective Attack Chains
  • Adapting to Unexpected Situations
  • Documenting and Communicating Your Approach
  • Hands-On: Build Your Own Attack Chain

Scenario-Based Challenges

  • Team-Based Challenges: Collaborative Problem Solving
  • Solo Challenges: Prove Your Individual Mastery
  • Real-World Scenarios Requiring Creative Solutions
  • Latitude to Choose Your Own Path

Capstone Challenge

  • Comprehensive Scenario Requiring Full Toolkit
  • Apply Everything Learned Across the PACS Curriculum
  • Demonstrate Mastery Through Practical Application

Hardware Kits

Lab Fee ($375) — Build Your Own WMD Kit

Required for all students.

  • Wiegand Multi-Technology Datalogger Components
  • PCB and Core Electronics
  • Enclosure and Assembly Hardware
  • Soldering Consumables

Field Kit ($100) — Class Soldering Kit and Supplies

Required for virtual students; optional for in-person attendees.

  • Soldering Iron and Stand
  • Solder, Flux, and Cleaning Supplies
  • Hand Tools (Wire Strippers, Cutters, Tweezers)
  • Multimeter

Field Kit Plus Add-On ($900) — Choice of Long-Range RFID Reader

Optional for students wanting to build a complete long-range credential harvesting system.

  • Choice of Long-Range Reader:
    • HID MaxiProx (125 kHz)
    • R90 Legacy (13.56 MHz, ideal for older Elite installations)
    • R90SE (13.56 MHz, ideal for newer standard-keyed installations)
  • Integration Cables and Components

Prerequisites

  • PACS 22x: Any in-depth regional course (PACS 222, 223, or 224).
  • Proxmark3: Required for all students.
  • Flipper Zero: Required for all students.
  • Chameleon Ultra: Required for all students.
  • Computer: Computer with administrative access and permission to install software. Windows 11 is the official platform used in class. Other operating systems are permitted, but students should understand that live technical support may not be available for OS-specific issues.

Course Completion

PACS 301 represents the culmination of Red Team Alliance's offensive PACS curriculum. Students who complete this course have demonstrated comprehensive knowledge and practical skills across the full spectrum of Physical Access Control System security testing.

Multi-Day Registration Discounts

Planning to take multiple courses? Save when you register for consecutive training days:

  • 2-Day Registration: $125 off per day ($1,375/day)
  • 3+ Day Registration: $250 off per day ($1,250/day)