Embedded systems, such as IOT devices are vulnerable to cyberthreats due to their massive deployment, diverse applications, and often limited security measures. Many are resource-constrained, making it difficult to implement robust defenses, and may run outdated software without regular updates. The critical functions they perform in sectors like healthcare, automotive, and industrial control make them attractive targets. For example, Nokia's Threat Intelligence Report 2023 observed a five-fold increase in IoT-based DDoS attacks, with the number of devices involved rising from 200,000 to 1 million over the previous year.
This blog discusses cyberthreats, a few examples of the critical cyberattacks the world has seen and cybersecurity frameworks in place to safeguard these embedded systems.
What is a Cyberthreat?
Cyberthreat in embedded systems involves malicious activities targeting specialized computing devices within larger systems, such as IoT devices, medical equipment, and industrial control systems. These attacks can include unauthorized access, data breaches, malware insertion, and manipulation of device functions. Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in firmware, software, and network communications to compromise these systems. Such attacks can lead to significant consequences, including operational disruptions, data theft, and safety risks. As embedded systems are integral to critical infrastructure and everyday technology, ensuring their security is paramount to prevent and mitigate the impact of cyberthreat.
History of Cyberattack in Embedded Systems
The embedded domain, encompassing systems like microcontrollers, IoT devices, and other specialized hardware, has been experiencing cyberattack more than a decade. Here's are few examples of cyberattacks
| Year | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1988 | The Morris Worm | It’s not directly attached embedded systems, but it demonstrated the potential for widespread disruption through networked systems, emphasizing the need for security across all connected devices, including embedded systems. |
| 2007 | Stuxnet Worm | A landmark cyber-attack specifically targeting industrial control systems (ICS) such as SCADA and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) used in Iran's nuclear facilities. Stuxnet highlighted the vulnerability of embedded systems in critical infrastructure to state-sponsored cyber warfare. |
| 2010 | Conficker Worm | This was primarily targeting Windows OS, it also impacted embedded systems running on Windows, such as medical devices and industrial equipment, showing the widespread effect of such malware. |
| 2015 | Jeep Cherokee Hack | This was remotely hacked into a Jeep Cherokee's embedded systems, taking control of the vehicle's functions. This event highlighted the critical need for security in automotive embedded systems. |
| 2016 | Mirai Botnet Attack | This was targeted towards IoT devices, many of which are embedded systems with default credentials and weak security. The botnet launched massive DDoS attacks, disrupting internet services globally. |
| 2017 | WannaCry Ransomware | This mainly affects Windows OS, WannaCry also impacted embedded systems running on Windows, such as medical devices and industrial equipment, highlighting the broad reach of ransomware. |
| 2020 | Ripple20 Vulnerabilities | Ripple20 vulnerabilities were found in a widely used embedded TCP/IP software library, affecting millions of IoT and embedded devices across various industries. This demonstrated the pervasive risk of vulnerabilities in embedded software. |
The solution for cyberattack can be achieved only by having robust cybersecurity, encompassing strong access controls, encryption, regular security audits, incident response plans, employee training and adherence to security frameworks. Implementing these measures effectively protects systems and data from malicious attacks and unauthorized access.
What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity for edge devices enhances system security through several key practices. Access Controls such as multi-factor authentication and strong password policies prevent unauthorized access. Encryption secures data both at rest and during transmission, ensuring that intercepted information remains confidential. Secure Boot and firmware integrity checks ensure that only verified software is executed, safeguarding against malware. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) monitor and respond to suspicious activities, while firewalls and secure communication protocols defend against unauthorized network access and data breaches.
Regular security audits and patch management address vulnerabilities and update systems with the latest security patches. By implementing these measures, embedded systems can maintain their integrity, protect sensitive data, and ensure reliable and secure operation across various applications, from industrial controls to consumer electronics. Now as you know that cybersecurity is a vast subject and it needs to be applied in a structured and standard way across organizations to make sure risk management, compliance adherence and enhancing overall security is achieved. Since one size cannot not fit all domains, organizations need to adapt specific cybersecurity frameworks suitable for their domains and use cases. Let’s see some of few frameworks in practice.
Cybersecurity Frameworks in Industries
Different industries have adopted various cybersecurity frameworks to standardize and enhance their security practices. These frameworks provide guidelines and best practices for managing and reducing cybersecurity risks. Few of them are listed below
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework is a widely adopted guideline in the United States, designed to help organizations manage and reduce cybersecurity risk. It consists of five core functions:
Identify: Develop an understanding of the organization’s environment to manage cybersecurity risk.
Protect: Implement safeguards to ensure the delivery of critical services.
Detect: Develop activities to identify the occurrence of a cybersecurity event.
Respond: Implement plans to act regarding a detected cybersecurity event.
Recover: Maintain plans for resilience and restore capabilities or services impaired during a cybersecurity event.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 27001
ISO 27001 is an international standard for managing information security. It provides a systematic approach to managing sensitive company information, ensuring it remains secure. The standard includes requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an information security management system (ISMS).
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
In the healthcare industry, HIPAA sets the standard for protecting sensitive patient data. Organizations dealing with protected health information (PHI) must have physical, network, and process security measures in place to ensure HIPAA compliance. The law covers a wide range of measures, from data encryption to employee training.
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
The GDPR is a regulation in the European Union (EU) that addresses data protection and privacy for individuals within the EU. It sets stringent requirements for data handling and imposes significant penalties for non-compliance. GDPR compliance involves ensuring that personal data is collected and processed lawfully, transparently, and for a specific purpose.
The Future of Cyberthreats and Cybersecurity
With the increasing number of IoT devices, each device representing a potential entry point, the attack surface expands. The future of cybersecurity in embedded systems will see advanced threat detection through AI and machine learning, enhancing real-time monitoring and automated responses. Quantum-resistant cryptography will protect data from emerging threats, while robust encryption and secure communication protocols will become standard. As IoT and edge computing expand, unified security frameworks will address their unique challenges. Stricter regulations and secure development lifecycle will drive adherence to higher security standards, ensuring embedded systems remain resilient against evolving cyber threats.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is a dynamic and multifaceted field, essential for protecting the digital infrastructure that underpins modern society. From its early days of phone phreaking to today's sophisticated cyber-attacks, the evolution of cybercrime underscores the importance of robust security practices. Key concepts like the CIA Triad, threat and vulnerability management, and defense in depth form the foundation of effective cybersecurity. Industry-specific frameworks, such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and GDPR, provide structured approaches to managing cybersecurity risks.
At Embien, with our device hardening experience, we have protected critical medical and industrial products with best in class embedded cyber security measures such as secure boot, secure communication, OS hardening etc. In the upcoming blogs, we will explore the concepts of cybersecurity and frameworks supporting it.