Embedded Systems 3.5

Question 1

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) / Industrial Control Systems (ICS )

Answer 1

Large pieces of equipment usually used in manufacturing or power distribution. These all need to be connected together to control them from one system. This is what the SCADA system does. This requires extremely high level security, and generally on their own network, not connected to the outside world.

Question 2

Smart Devices / Internet of Things (IOT)

Answer 2

Smartwatches, health monitors, etc. Home automation devices that connect to the internet. Where is this data stored? This can be gateways into more access.

Question 3

Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Answer 3

A PC manages all these types of equipment. It’s not commonly though of in a security sense, however they can be hacked and create problems such as turning on or off the heat entirely in workspaces or data centers. These are not traditionally built with security in mind.

Question 4

System on a Chip (SoC)

Answer 4

Multiple components run on a single chip. Raspberry Pie is an example of this.

Question 5

Real Time Operating System (RTOS)

Answer 5

An operating system with a deterministic processing schedule. These processes must happen in real time, and will override any other processes. You find these in automobiles such as anti-lock brakes. These are sensitive security issues. They must always be available.

Question 6

Multi Function Devices (MFD)

Answer 6

Printer, scanner, fax machine in one. They have relatively sophisticated firmware.

Question 7

Camera Systems

Answer 7

Video recorders are now IP devices and authenticate using a specialized application.