The Hidden Risks of Embedded Security
While IT networks in enterprises and governments have robust security measures, embedded devices remain a weak link in the cybersecurity chain. From consumer smart devices to industrial automation, many embedded systems lack the fundamental protections needed to withstand modern threats.
Window Snyder, CEO of Thistle Technologies, highlights a crucial concern: “Embedded devices today are as powerful as enterprise computers, yet they often lack even basic security protections.”
Why Is Embedded Security Lagging?
1. Misaligned Incentives
One of the biggest problems in embedded security is that the cost of a security breach is often felt by the end user, not the manufacturer. Manufacturers prioritise time-to-market and cost savings over security investment, leaving vulnerabilities unchecked.
2. The Complexity of Secure Implementations
Even manufacturers that want to implement security face technical hurdles. Secure boot, firmware validation, and update resilience require deep expertise—something many teams lack. Developing these capabilities in-house can take years and requires significant investment.
3. The Expanding Attack Surface
Embedded devices now connect to critical assets such as industrial control systems, healthcare devices, and even power grids. A compromised IoT thermostat may seem insignificant—until it becomes a gateway to an entire network.
The Role of Secure Boot and Firmware Updates
Secure boot ensures that only authenticated software runs on a device, while firmware updates provide a way to patch vulnerabilities post-deployment. However, poorly implemented updates can brick devices or even introduce security flaws instead of fixing them.
“Security updates must be resilient and verifiable,” Snyder explains. “Otherwise, manufacturers risk breaking devices or opening new attack vectors.”
Bridging the Gap: Making Security Easier
Snyder’s company, Thistle Technologies, aims to simplify embedded security by providing software solutions that integrate with existing hardware platforms. Their approach allows manufacturers to implement secure boot, firmware validation, and updates without starting from scratch.
By bridging the knowledge and implementation gap, solutions like Thistle’s could reshape the future of embedded security—helping manufacturers meet security demands without derailing development timelines.
Final Thoughts: Security Can No Longer Be an Afterthought
The industry must move away from treating embedded security as optional. With increasing cyber threats and regulatory scrutiny, manufacturers need to rethink their approach—or risk their devices becoming easy targets.
The bottom line? Security in embedded devices must evolve—before attackers force it to.
Learn more and sign up to try Thistle’s security platform here: https://thistle.tech/