Embedded systems are the support structure of contemporary technology, powering devices such as smart home appliances, industrial equipment, medical devices, and vehicle control systems. Though they enhance efficiency and introduce innovations, they also pose severe security threats. As the threat of cyberspace keeps increasing, safeguarding these systems has also become an integral aspect of designing and developing new products.
NanoGenius Technologies, a firm dealing in ASIC design and embedded solutions, recognizes the changing security needs of embedded systems. Here in this blog, we shall see the six greatest challenges of embedded systems security and how firms are tackling them.
Why is Embedded System Security Often Overlooked?
Most individuals believe that embedded devices are secure from cyberattacks because:
- They are not being thought of as susceptible to cyberattacks.
- Hackers do not want to target them.
- Simple security provisions such as encryption and authentication are sufficient to secure them.
Nevertheless, these are antiquated assumptions. Embedded system cyber-attacks are increasingly sophisticated, and more robust protection mechanisms are thus imperative.
What are the current challenges in maintaining the security of embedded systems?
- Limited Computing Resources
In contrast with general-purpose computers, embedded systems have limited CPU capability, memory, and storage. The embedding of strong security mechanisms like encryption, secure boot, and intrusion detection usually requires massive computational overheads that an embedded system can rarely afford.
To counteract this issue, designers must improve security algorithms in low-power domains, adopt lightweight cryptographic techniques, and leverage hardware-accelerated security solutions. NanoGenius Technologies is an expert in designing ASICs and embedded solutions that support security and efficiency without taxing the system’s resources.
- Lack of Secure Software Updates
Most embedded systems spend years in the field without getting software updates and are thus at risk of exposure to newly emerging security vulnerabilities. Even when updates are possible, securely delivering them and having them properly installed are significant challenges.
Secure firmware updates via digitally signed software and over-the-air (OTA) methods are needed to overcome this problem. Trusted execution environments (TEEs) can be introduced to authenticate updates before installation so that only authenticated and tamper-resistant software can be installed.
- Physical Attacks and Tampering
In contrast to traditional IT infrastructure, embedded systems tend to be placed in uncontrolled environments where an attacker can get physical access to the hardware. Attackers could try to get cryptographic keys, alter firmware, or insert hardware Trojans.
Against physical attacks, inbuilt security solutions have measures such as:
- Tamper-resistant packages: To prevent unauthorized access.
- Side-channel attack protection in the form of power and timing analysis resistance.
- Secure key storage through dedicated cryptographic hardware modules.
NanoGenius Technologies specializes in developing embedded security solutions that combine these security features into ASICs and custom hardware to enhance device security.
- Insecure Communication Channels
Embedded devices usually use wireless and wire-line communication protocols such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and CAN bus, which can be vulnerable to security weaknesses. Insecure communication may result in data eavesdropping, unauthorized access, or remote code execution attacks.
To improve security in communication, designers need to incorporate:
- End-to-end encryption with TLS, AES, or other secure encryption protocols.
- Authentication protocols to check devices before communication establishment.
- Secure key exchange protocols to ensure protection against man-in-the-middle attacks.
NanoGenius Technologies collaborates with clients to implement secure communication protocols in embedded systems so that confidential data is secure during transmission.
- Insecure Supply Chain
Globalization of the supply chain of electronics presents threats as an adversary might inject backdoors or tainted materials at any part of the process. Hardware-related security threats from counterfeiting chips or worm-infected firmware can cause major security violations.
To safeguard against supply chain vulnerabilities, businesses need to undertake several crucial actions:
- Safeguarded Sourcing of Components– One should buy hardware and components only from trusted and credible suppliers. This keeps counterfeit or tampered materials out of the system.
- Hardware Attestation for Verification– The use of hardware attestation mechanisms guarantees that all the hardware components utilized are authentic and not tampered with. This validation ensures the hardware’s authenticity, limiting the potential security threats.
- Regular Security Audits– Regular security audits enable the identification of any out-of-the-norm activities or vulnerabilities within the supply chain. This proactive step ensures that the risks are discovered and eliminated before inflicting severe damage.
- Long Lifecycle and Legacy Systems
Most embedded systems enjoy extended lifetimes, sometimes more than a decade. Older systems lack contemporary security mechanisms and are, therefore vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Security retrofitting into legacy systems is difficult because of hardware constraints and the absence of software support.
To address this challenge effectively, organizations should adopt the following practices:
- Regular Security Patches and Firmware Updates: It is necessary to update software and firmware regularly to repair known vulnerabilities. Regular updates plug security holes and shield systems against emerging threats.
- Hardware-based security module: When dealing with hardware security focused on encryption and authentication, these devices assist in removing any possibility of unauthorized systems or users accessing the information. Contained within systems are security devices such as the Hardware Security Module or Trusted Platform Module that serve the purpose of safeguarding information. These specific devices are built with the integral feature of increasing security within a system.
- Network Segmentation for Isolation– Isolating legacy systems from new networks decreases their vulnerability to cyber-attacks. Isolating older systems allows organizations to contain the damage in the event of an attack and avoid spreading threats.
Conclusion
Security for embedded systems is a continuous challenge that must be addressed on multiple fronts. From securing the communication channels to safeguarding against physical tampering and verifying a trusted supply chain, all aspects of embedded system design need to integrate security from the beginning.
NanoGenius Technologies, a provider of ASIC design and embedded solutions, is dedicated to creating secure, efficient, and future-proofed embedded solutions. Through the utilization of state-of-the-art security methods, hardware design capabilities, and supply chain integrity, NanoGenius Technologies assists industries in creating robust and secure embedded systems.
With the world of cyber threats constantly changing, companies have to place a premium on embedded security to protect their products and consumers. Spending on secure embedded technologies today guarantees a healthier, more sustainable tech future.
To learn more about this and other breakthroughs and see what’s new in the industry, check out Nanogenius Technologies. Below, we explore the technologies that will shape tomorrow.