3.5 Security Implications of Embedded Systems

Question 1

SCADA

Answer 1

(Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) A type of industrial control system that manages large-scale, multiple-site devices and equipment spread over geographically large areas.

Question 2

Smart Devices/IoT

Answer 2

An electronic device, other than a typical computer, that is connected to a network and has some computing properties.

(Internet of Things) A group of objects that are connected to the wider Internet by using embedded electronic components.

Question 3

Home Automation

Answer 3

Technology that makes heating, lighting, alarms, and appliances all controllable through a computer and network interface.

Question 4

HVAC

Answer 4

(Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) Building control systems maintain an optimum heating, cooling, and humidity level working environment for different parts of the building.

Question 5

SoC

Answer 5

(System on a Chip) Processors, controllers, and devices are provided on a single processor die (chip).

Question 6

RTOS

Answer 6

(Real-time operating system) An RTOS is often used for time-sensitive embedded controllers, of the sort required for the modulation and frequency shifts that underpin radio-based connectivity.

Question 7

Printers/MFDs

Answer 7

Can be used as a pivot point to attack the rest of the network.

Question 8

Medical Devices

Answer 8

Unsecure communication protocols, and unsupported versions of operating systems (such as Windows XP) make these devices vulnerable.

Question 9

Vehicles

Answer 9

Computer systems to control the vehicle’s engine, steering, and brakes, there may be embedded systems for in-vehicle entertainment and for navigation can be exploited.

Question 10

Aircraft/UAV

Answer 10

(Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) Communication channels can be used to interfere with the aircraft.