Red Team Alliance

PIDS 201

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Course Overview

From server racks to commercial installations, many alarm systems in use today remain highly vulnerable to malicious tampering and bypass. PIDS 201 is designed for security professionals building on the foundation established in IDAC 101, providing comprehensive instruction on alarm system architecture, sensor technologies, and practical defeat methodologies. Students will gain both the conceptual understanding and hands-on skills needed to assess alarm systems during physical security engagements.

This full-day course covers both wired and wireless alarm technologies, with primary focus on commercial installations while addressing residential systems where relevant. Students will receive extensive hands-on experience with alarm hardware, sensors, and defeat tools. By course end, students will have a comprehensive understanding of how alarms are designed, how they are defeated, and methods that may be used to enhance attack resistance.

What You'll Learn

Alarm System Architecture and Design Principles

  • Evolution of Alarm Systems: From Simple Circuits to Modern Platforms
  • Design Goals, Threat Models, and Common Vulnerabilities
  • Commercial vs. Residential System Differences

Wired System Architectures

  • Supervised Loops and Current-Sensing Circuits
  • End-of-Line Resistor Configurations and Their Limitations
  • Panel Connections and Zone Wiring
  • Hands-On: Loop Manipulation Techniques

Wireless System Architectures

  • RF Communication Between Sensors and Panels
  • Encryption, Authentication, and Common Weaknesses
  • Jamming Vulnerabilities and Detection
  • Hands-On: Wireless Jamming Demonstrations

Sensor Technologies

  • Magnetic Reed Switches and Door/Window Contacts
  • Passive Infrared (PIR) Motion Sensors
  • Glass Break Sensors: Acoustic and Shock Detection
  • Vibration and Shock Sensors
  • Photoelectric Beam Sensors
  • Hands-On: Sensor Bypass Techniques

Control Panels and Keypads

  • How Panels Process Sensor Inputs and Trigger Responses
  • Arm/Disarm States and Entry/Exit Delays
  • Communication Paths: Phone, Cellular, and IP Reporting
  • Common Panel Vulnerabilities

Field Assessment and Reconnaissance

  • Identifying Alarm System Presence During Physical Assessments
  • Recognizing System Types and Sensor Placement
  • Evaluating Attack Surface and Selecting Defeat Methods

Hardware Kits

Lab Fee — [Kit Name TBD]

Required for all students.

  • [Kit contents to be determined]

Field Kit — [Kit Name TBD]

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

  • [Kit contents to be determined]

Prerequisites

  • IDAC 101: Intrusion Detection and Access Control: Common Concepts and Foundation

Course Progression

After completing PIDS 201, students are prepared to advance to:

  • PIDS 212: Advanced Hacking Alarms and Physical Intrusion Detection Systems

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)