Challenges to Embedded System Security

A device containing hardware and built-in software is an embedded system. These devices can perform a function or set of tasks independently, and many of them store important information and potentially perform critical functions that affect humans and the environment. Nowadays, embedded devices have become the main target of hacker attacks. Because many widgets and machines powered by embedded devices must be connected to the Internet during operation, network hackers have the opportunity to steal unauthorized access and run malicious code, an attack that often spreads to other connected components and even disrupts entire systems. For example, an attacker who compromises a car in autopilot mode is equivalent to hijacking the car. The hacker can take control of the car and drive it off the normal road with unimaginable consequences. Therefore, embedded system security is not only a matter of financial loss but also may be a matter of our life safety.

Challenges of embedded system security

Embedded system security is a branch of cyber security that focuses on protecting embedded software systems from potentially unauthorized access and cyber-attacks or mitigating the damage caused by such activities. In real-world applications, embedded software systems can be as simple as motion sensors in smart homes or as highly complex as telematics trackers and robots in the enterprise. Some of these solutions may require an embedded operating system and application software to run, while others may have bar code readers.

While the embedded security measures available provide tools, processes, and best practices for protecting the software and hardware of embedded devices, embedded systems generally have a variety of memory and storage limitations due to their relatively small hardware modules. Therefore, there are still significant design challenges in incorporating security measures in their entirety. These challenges arise mainly from.

Use of third-party components

Many embedded devices require additional third-party hardware and software components to function properly for technical and economic reasons. These components are often not subjected to rigorous security testing. These components are likely to contain malware or be vulnerable to malware attacks, posing a potential threat to the overall system.

Lack of standardization

Currently, there is a relatively low level of standardization in the cyber protection and IoT industries, and the development of security devices is one of the main challenges for embedded system security. However, the lack of uniform cybersecurity standards for embedded systems makes it difficult for manufacturers to report confidence in the security of the components they use.

Insecure network connections

The popularity of 5G is unstoppable, and many embedded systems and IoT devices will be directly connected to the Internet. Enterprise firewalls can detect and prevent network attacks, but this direct connection means the enterprise firewall does not protect those embedded devices. Implementing strict security in such a resource-constrained environment will become very difficult.

Outdated software

Many devices with built-in software are mostly mobile devices used in the field. To update or upgrade the built-in software of such devices would require a remote operation. The truth is that it is not easy to update firmware regularly on many small embedded devices. Still, outdated firmware is usually full of many highly exploitable vulnerabilities.

Security Maintenance for Long Lifecycle Devices

The lifecycle of an embedded device is typically much longer than the lifecycle of a personal computer or consumer electronics. These devices are often in continuous use for many years, and it is difficult for people to foresee potential security threats that may emerge in the next decade.

Four Steps to Creating Embedded System Security

Ensuring that embedded systems are secure enough is never easy, and there is currently no universal security strategy in the industry for all embedded devices. However, designers can try to develop a secure and reliable embedded system by starting with the following four areas.

1. Assess potential threats and vulnerabilities. Specific actions include: analyzing the product lifecycle, evaluating the impact of developers, hardware manufacturers, software vendors, telecom operators, users, and any related parties on the security of the final product, identifying all possible software and physical attack points and their likelihood of occurrence, and developing technical specifications with security requirements.

2. Design a reliable software architecture based on requirements. Leverage middleware and virtualization technologies for component partitioning, which should also allow multiple operating systems to run on a shared platform.

3. Select tools and components. The security of the software development platform chosen for the embedded system is critical, and it must comply with international or regional security standards. The same is true for the selection of system hardware. All boards, sensors, and peripherals purchased from manufacturers and distributors should meet the security standards required for the solution.

4. Conduct safety tests. Security testing of hardware and software components in an embedded system should not be overlooked and be independent of other system testing functions as a mandatory option.

Embedded system security design points

Providing an appropriate level of security for embedded systems is more tricky than for ordinary digital solutions, as it requires the implementation of two layers of protection. On the one hand, the device should be able to resist illegal external intrusion and physical damage. For example, the use of shockproof enclosures, installation of surveillance cameras, etc.; on the other hand, the software needs to resist hacking attacks and data leakage.

Therefore, embedded software companies must use a combination of digital security mechanisms to protect the system in all phases, including initialization, operation, and update. The following points should be focused on in the design.

● Software protection. Ensure that the entire software architecture is protected against unauthorized changes.

● Data protection. Ensure that unauthorized users cannot access the information stored on the device. For example, take measures such as authentication, strong passwords, and encrypted connections to the device.

● Device protection. Ensure that the device itself is not subject to external physical damage. This can be done using ultra-strong materials, electronic locks, surveillance cameras, other peripherals, etc. Some processors or motherboards can now detect physical intrusion in the device enclosure.

When it comes to embedded system security, much of the security of many embedded devices is focused on software. No matter how strong your software security, if the hardware is not "hard," the device is also very vulnerable to attack. The key management, encryption, and functional isolation can achieve hardware security in embedded systems.

According to Persistence Market Research, the global embedded security market reached $523 million in 2021. The growing demand for embedded security in mobile devices, autonomous robots, and medical wearables is the major driver for the growth of the embedded security market. Good application prospects and huge market potential will attract great enterprises' attention. Many enterprises involved in embedded security are powerful multinational companies, such as Infineon, NXP, TI, STMicroelectronics, Maxim, Renesas, etc.

Conclusion

The Internet of Things will consist of billions of digital devices, services, and other physical objects that have the potential to connect, interact and exchange information seamlessly. Only once security is addressed can we further discuss how to implement several current and future applications. Growing IoT applications have increased the demand for embedded security, and according to ResearchAndMarkets, the global embedded security market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2021-2026.

Important components of embedded system security are cryptographic algorithms and hardware architectures. They meet extremely low memory and processing requirements, trusted platform modules, and standardized security protocols. Since most embedded devices are located outside of enterprise IT systems, security features must be integrated into such devices for them to be able to defend themselves independently. Therefore, we should consider security requirements from the earliest design stages of embedded systems and select software tools and hardware components based on these requirements. These hardware and software features will largely determine the future security capabilities of embedded systems.