Cybersecurity applied to embedded systems is a field that focuses on preventing malicious access to and use of embedded systems.
Advances in digital technology and the advent of 5G and the Internet of Things, has created increased cyber risks for embedded systems.
An embedded system is a microprocessor- or microcontroller-based system of hardware and software designed to perform dedicated functions within a larger mechanical or electrical system. Embedded systems can be anything from digital watches to domestic appliances and fitness trackers.
The most secure embedded system is one that is turned off, and the next most secure system is completely isolated. When embedded systems were islands of technology that contained minimal information, embedded software security was less important.
Embedded systems are now often connected to a communications network that exposes the system to more threat actors.
Like computers, many embedded systems have security vulnerabilities that can provide a way for a threat actor to gain access to the system. Typically, there is a time lag between the discovery of a specific vulnerability — such as a CVE, misconfiguration, or weak or missing encryption — and the availability and application of a patch or other remediation.
The monetary value of data, the ability to cause serious harm, and the interoperability and connectivity of modern embedded systems, including mission-critical systems, make embedded systems popular targets.
Cyber-attacks on embedded systems range from disabling vehicle anti-theft devices and degrading the performance of control systems to directing printers to send copies of documents to the hacker and accessing a smartphone’s data.
Cyber-attacks on embedded systems create an urgent need for everyone from developers to end users to help prevent, manage and patch vulnerabilities.
Want to learn more? Tonex offers Cybersecurity Applied to Embedded Systems, a 2-day course where participants learn fundamentals of embedded systems and applications of cybersecurity to illustrate unique vulnerabilities that are commonly exploited.
Additionally, Tonex offers nearly three dozen more courses in Cybersecurity Foundation. This includes cutting edge courses like:
—Cybersecurity Fundamentals (2 days)
—Electric Grid Cybersecurity Master Certification (4 weeks)
—Network Security Training (2 days)
—Software Security Training (2 days)
—ICS Cybersecurity Training (4 days)
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