Security Aspects of Embedded Software Development

There is a lot of excitement in embedded software development, with the rise of the Internet of Things. We are in the beginning phase of a gold rush to bring products with embedded software into the market. In this process, the security of users may get compromised.

One of the major source of such security flaws is the code. Programming errors are responsible for most vulnerability issues in embedded systems. If these are discovered by hackers, just think about the damage they can do.

But updating software on embedded devices is not easy. These devices are not always connected to the internet and many of them do not have update mechanisms. They have to be updated manually, through an on-site visit by an engineer. In some cases, users are forced to bring their devices to the manufacturer’s facility for updates.

Considering these factors, the best way to prevent security issues in embedded devices is to build strong code and address issues at an early stage. You have to give your developers tools to ensure that the code is well designed and able to meet company standards. Ask yourself- who am I trying to protect? What am I protecting them against? What will be the potential costs, if the information gets compromised? If you follow these steps, you can reduce security problems in your product after it enters the market.