Embedded Systems and Cyber Security

Cyber security and data breaches are a new phenomenon. Until recently, most people did not know what data breaches are and how it could affect them. But thanks to a number of high profile hacks at large multinational companies such as Target and Neiman Marcus, suddenly we find that data breaches are a reality and it can affect anyone.

Things are only going to get worse from here. It means embedded designers and software developers have to consider security at every step of the way, right from leaf nodes on the IoT to mega cloud servers. But despite all these problems, people and companies still do not take data security seriously. Recently, hackers got into the systems of AshleyMadison.com, which promotes affairs and stole the data of millions of cheating husbands and wives. They posted the data on the Dark Web, potentially putting millions of relationships at stake.

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. So embedded developers have a solid task in front of them. Knowing that people are going to be lax about their online security, it remains to be seen how those in the embedded world rise up to the challenge of creating a safer world.