An embedded system is some combination of computer hardware and software that is designed for a specific function. Industrial machines, agricultural and process industry devices, automobiles, medical equipment, cameras, household appliances, airplanes, vending machines and toys as well as mobile devices are all possible locations for an embedded system.
An embedded system’s key feature is dedication to specific functions that typically require strong general-purpose processors. For example, router and switch systems are embedded systems, whereas a general-purpose computer uses a proper OS for routing functionality. However, embedded routers function more efficiently than OS-based computers for routing functionalities.
Because an embedded system is engineered to perform certain tasks only, design engineers may optimize size, cost, power consumption, reliability and performance. Embedded systems are typically produced on broad scales and share functionalities across a variety of environments and applications.
All of these systems have one very important element in common – they’re programmable. This presents the second common element they all share – vulnerability of being reprogrammed with malware.
Because of growing cybersecurity risks, designers and developers of today are now focusing on creating embedded systems around processors that provide a secure boot capability that is able to validate the integrity of the software, or firmware it is running, on a systematic basis.
This is important because embedded systems are the driving force for technological development in many domains such as automotive, healthcare and industrial control in the emerging post-PC era.
At a minimum, cybersecurity professionals recommend that embedded systems designers and developers accomplish specific objectives, such as:
- Design and test for security vulnerabilities. The earlier they are caught in the product development life cycle, the less costly it is to fix them and better protects them against attack.
- Make security vulnerabilities and defects a high priority not only in design but also during support and maintenance.
- Ensure the entire product life cycle is protected from cyberattacks. A secure architecture cannot be bolted on at some future date.
Additionally, organizations are encouraged to create a security response team to address vulnerabilities, draft responses, communicate internally and externally, plan for potential product updates, and manage the delivery of those changes.
Cybersecurity Applied To Embedded Systems Training
Tonex offers a 2-day Cybersecurity Applied To Embedded Systems Training course where participants learn about methods and techniques considering cybersecurity measures in the entire system life cycle and acquisition.
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for anyone interested in cybersecurity, analysis, exploiting and patching vulnerabilities with real-world embedded systems, including:
- Product/process designers and engineers
- Application managers
- Information security personnel
- Developers working with embedded systems
Why Tonex?
–Reasonably priced classes taught by the best trainers is the reason all kinds of organizations from Fortune 500 companies to government’s most important agencies return for updates in courses and hands-on workshops.
–Presenting highly customized learning solutions is what we do. For over 30 years Tonex has worked with organizations in improving their understanding and capabilities in topics often with new development, design, optimization, regulations and compliances that, frankly, can be difficult to comprehend.
–Ratings tabulated from student feedback post-course evaluations show an amazing 98 percent satisfaction score.
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