HackRF One
Open source SDR transceiver for 1 MHz to 6 GHz.
The HackRF One is a wide-band, half-duplex software defined radio (SDR) transceiver built by Great Scott Gadgets. It can both transmit and receive signals. Michael Ossmann, its lead designer, funded the initial production run through a 2014 Kickstarter campaign. Because both its hardware and software are open source, the device has drawn interest from hackers, amateur radio operators, and information security professionals.
The unit operates from 1 MHz up to 6 GHz, with a maximum transmit power of 15 dBm that varies by frequency band. It includes an SMA antenna connector, separate SMA ports for clock input and output, and a USB 2.0 interface. It works with popular SDR applications like GNU Radio and SDR#. Its use as a security research tool has led to frequent appearances at conferences such as Black Hat, DEF CON, and BSides.
In academic work, a 2015 paper by Kimmo Heinäaro at the International Conference on Military Communications and Information Systems described how HackRF One and other open source tools could compromise military tactical communications. In 2017, researchers demonstrated a GPS spoofing attack that fed a vehicle false signals and map data to steer it to a chosen location.
The device has also drawn media criticism for its ability to intercept and replay key fob signals, allowing unauthorized opening of car and garage doors.
- Frequency range
- 1 MHz to 6 GHz
- Maximum output power
- up to 15 dBm
- Type
- wide band software defined radio (SDR) half-duplex transceiver
- Manufacturer
- Great Scott Gadgets
- Principal designer
- Michael Ossmann
- Ports
- SMA antenna port, clock input and clock output SMA ports, USB 2.0 port
Lore & Background
The HackRF One was launched via a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2014, with a first run of the project called HackRF. Its principal designer, Michael Ossmann, spearheaded the effort. The hardware and software's open source nature has made it a popular platform for security research, and it has been featured in many information security conference talks such as BlackHat, DEF CON, and BSides. The unit integrates with popular SDR software including GNU Radio and SDR#.
Reader's Guide
The HackRF One has become a significant tool in security research and academic study. In 2015, Kimmo Heinäaro presented a paper at the International Conference on Military Communications and Information Systems (ICMCIS) outlining how military tactical communications could be hacked with the HackRF One and other open source tools. In 2017, researchers described a GPS spoofing attack using the device to feed a vehicle false signals and mapping data to deliver the target to a desired location. The device has also received criticism in several media reports because it can be used to intercept and replay key fob signals to open car and garage doors. Its ability to both transmit and receive across a wide frequency range, combined with its open source nature, has cemented its role as a versatile platform for experimentation and security analysis.
Did You Know?
- Its principal designer is Michael Ossmann.
- It has been featured in security conference talks at BlackHat, DEF CON, and BSides.
- Researchers in 2017 used it to demonstrate a GPS spoofing attack on a vehicle.
More in Radio Modulation Modes, Part 3 1-18
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced