Embedded systems are dedicated information processing components that are built into larger mechanical or electrical systems with the purpose of providing a limited set of functions. And it is basically designed around a set of specific functions in relation and integration to the larger product or system to which it is attached to serve specific business requirements. Furthermore, embedded systems are devices that have a memory, CPU, operating system (OS) and related components that have one or more business requirements typically designed to perform and provide one or more functions for an individual or organization. And it is a combination of computer hardware and software components that are specifically designed to provide specific applications. Moreover, embedded systems, in collaboration with Internet of things (IoT), are nowadays applicable in different sectors and may cause security risks to organizational assets.
Embedded systems are task specific designed to achieve attributes such as efficiency and have no user interface (UI) to operate them. And embedded systems pose security risk because they are generally static systems usually with no means of altering the device’s underlying operations in order to address and manage evolving security threats and vulnerabilities. This occurs mainly due to lack of inherent security features in the architecture of the embedded systems. And this brings difficulty in upgrading or patching of the embedded systems in general. Some common examples of embedded systems include medical equipment, digital cameras, automobiles, mobile phones, digital watches, automatic teller machine (ATM), printers and traffic light controls.
Some benefits of embedded systems include the following:
- Low power operation
- Reduced cost
- Real-time response to requests
- Portability and versatility
- Use less power
- Compact in size and high speed
- Relatively cheaper than other computing devices
- Reliability
- Improved performance