Ensuring embedded systems are designed and developed with robust cybersecurity measures is more critical than ever in today’s interconnected world. With an increasing number of smart devices connected to the World Wide Web via the Internet of Things (IoT), protecting against malicious hackers is crucial.
Today, everything from vehicle navigation systems to building climate control is controlled across the web using smart devices, meaning hackers have more vulnerable points than ever to target. These targets compromise sensitive personal data and can lead to essential equipment failing and, in some cases, harming individuals.
This article explores the importance of cybersecurity in embedded systems in different environments, ensuring security within your embedded systems, and how ERNI’s embedded software engineering can help you achieve peace of mind.
Key risks to embedded systems
Embedded systems rely on the internet to make our lives easier at home, at work, and on the move. As a result, hackers have several points of entry to access entire systems and connected devices. Here are some key risks in three sectors: healthcare, automotive, and wider industrial settings.
Vulnerabilities in healthcare devices
Healthcare increasingly relies on interconnected devices and embedded systems to deliver critical care and services. This broader use of technology poses significant risks to service provision and patient health. Indeed, 63% of known exploited vulnerabilities tracked by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) are found in healthcare networks, with almost a quarter of medical devices having at least one exploited vulnerability.
The most at-risk devices include:
- Wireless infusion pumps
- Endoscope cameras
- Radiology information systems
- Implanted medical devices
Risks to automotive systems
The automotive industry’s shift towards innovative technologies within vehicles has significantly increased the risk of attack through complex electronic control units (ECUs) with multiple common interfaces.
One of the most significant risks is interference with remote vehicle control through one of these attack vectors:
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Cellular and mobile networks
- Onboard diagnostic ports
- Infotainment systems.
Any attack could lead to:
- Unauthorised access to critical vehicle services
- Vehicle tracking
- Manipulation of key driving and information systems
Industrial control systems risks
Embedded control systems within industrial settings also carry several vulnerabilities and risks, particularly on older systems containing outdated communication processes and within interconnected networks with multiple entry points.
This can lead to risks emerging in:
- Programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
- Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems
- Human-machine interfaces (HMIs)
- Remote terminal units.
Any attack or breach of these can seriously disrupt critical processes.
Consequences of security breaches.
The potential consequences of security breaches can be severe, ranging from reputational damage to financial loss and safety risks.
For example:
Reputational damage
- Loss of customer trust
- Negative media and social media coverage
- Potential litigation and legal issues
Financial losses
- Pauses in production and manufacturing
- Equipment damage and malfunction
- Loss in sales
- Potential regulatory fines
Safety risks
- Physical harm to patients, workers, and the public
- Potential risk to human life
- Risk of catastrophic critical system failures
Best practices for securing embedded systems
The case for comprehensive security systems for embedded systems is clear, with an overarching approach that begins during the design phase and continues throughout the system’s lifecycle.
Here are key best practices for securing interconnected systems:
Security-by-design
Implementing strong security systems during the conception and design phase is essential to securing embedded systems. Principles to consider during the design phase include:
- Robust user authentication and authorisation mechanisms
- Using Address Space Layout Randomisation (ASLR) to protect against memory-based attacks
- Isolate critical components
- Use data encryption
- Employ isolated execution environments for secure processing
Real-time monitoring
Once the system runs, continuous real-time monitoring helps you detect potential attacks and system anomalies.
Consider using:
- Secure over-the-air (OTA) updates to address vulnerabilities as they appear
- Real-time monitoring to determine baseline performance in applications
- Real-time observation for ongoing insights into device performance
DevSecOps processes
Finally, implementing the following best practices throughout the system’s development and operation helps maintain its security over time.
- Incorporate automatic testing into the continuous improvement (CI) and continuous development (CD) pipelines
- Utilise the three pillars of DevSecOps (people, process, and tools)
- Conduct regular security audits
- Address vulnerabilities immediately
Industry insights
Cybersecurity within embedded systems has come under renewed scrutiny in recent years. The UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) reported a sharp increase in the frequency and severity of cyber incidents in 2024. This trend highlights the need for a comprehensive and standardised set of security measures.
For example, the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) came into force in December 2024 in the UK, introducing cybersecurity requirements that align with security-by-design principles within embedded systems.
Meanwhile, ISO/IEC 27002:2022 standards provide guidance on establishing and improving Information Security Management Systems (ISMS), governing access control, data encryption, and incident response. This framework standardises best practices and serves as an excellent starting point for executing cybersecurity risk management.
Other trends include a focus on countering the growing ransomware threat through the internationally backed Counter Ransomware Initiative and an increasing shift towards Zero-Trust Architecture to support hybrid working and cloud computing processes.
ERNI’s expertise
ERNI’s expertise has supported companies in embedding complex software solutions throughout a range of industries, including:
- Health and MedTech
- Pharmaceuticals
- Robotics and Manufacturing
- Transportation
- Utilities
- Government and public sector bodies
Our solutions include creating firmware for microcontrollers, embedded Linux systems, and mobile applications, allowing businesses greater flexibility and control over their embedded systems while maintaining security.
We leverage a wide range of skills and knowledge to develop customised solutions tailored to our client’s needs through agile development methodologies, yet without compromising on cybersecurity practices to keep malicious agents away from critical systems.
By protecting your processes, systems, and data according to the most up-to-date cybersecurity guidelines and regulations, your business can enjoy the convenience and flexibility offered by our embedded systems while maintaining peace of mind.
Prioritise embedded security today
With the growing threat of security attacks from an increasing number of global agents, prioritising the security of your embedded systems is no longer optional but non-negotiable. Prioritise your business’s embedded security to protect your critical operations today, and find out more about ways ERNI can help you remain secure from malicious cyberattacks.