Embedded systems rely on the internet to solve numerous problems and make lives easier, but they also provide cybercriminals with several points of entry. Many of the interconnected devices that make up embedded systems lack fundamental security protections.

If you’re responsible for cybersecurity or crisis management, understanding how hackers exploit embedded systems is essential. Here’s a breakdown of the common attack methods and security strategies you can use to mitigate risks.

Why Are Embedded Systems a Hacker’s Goldmine?

Embedded systems are vulnerable because they combine hardware and software, creating dual attack surfaces. Many of these systems prioritize functionality but often at the expense of security. The rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) has only increased the number of attack vectors, making embedded systems a prime target for cybercriminals.

According to industry reports, 41% of executives believe their security initiatives are out of sync with digital transformation. Outdated security measures and privacy lapses make data breaches easier. Additionally, employee oversight and social engineering were responsible for 98% of reported cyberattacks in 2023.

How Do Hackers Target Embedded Systems?

There are five common types of attacks hackers use to target embedded systems.

1. Software-Based Attacks

One of the easiest ways for hackers to gain control over an embedded system is by exploiting weak code and vulnerabilities. Hackers can perform attacks remotely, making them particularly dangerous. Common methods include:

• Malware injection: Hackers insert malicious code via fake firmware updates, drivers or security patches, granting them unauthorized access.
• Brute-force attacks: Cybercriminals use a trial-and-error method to guess weak passwords or exploit default credentials to break into systems.
• Memory buffer overflow: Attackers flood the system’s memory buffer with excessive data, causing it to malfunction or accept malicious code.

2. Network-Based Attacks

Embedded systems are often connected to business networks, meaning attackers can exploit weak communication protocols to intercept sensitive data or disrupt operations.

• Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks: Hackers intercept data by positioning themselves between two communicating devices.
• Domain name system (DNS) poisoning: Cybercriminals manipulate DNS records to redirect traffic to malicious sites.
• Denial-of-service attacks: Attackers flood embedded systems with excessive traffic, causing disruptions and downtime. In 2024, hackers orchestrated a massive attack on a Ukrainian bank’s service for military donations when traffic reached 7.5 billion requests per second.

3. Side-Channel Attacks

These highly sophisticated attacks target the physical properties of an embedded system, requiring direct or close proximity to the device to exploit hardware vulnerabilities. Hardware hacking methods include:

• Power analysis: Hackers measure fluctuations in power consumption to extract cryptographic keys. The processors’ power use can provide insight into the processed data or cryptographic procedures. If attackers can analyze embedded systems in ATMs or payment terminals, they can break encryption and steal financial data.
• Timing attacks: Cybercriminals analyze how long a system takes to execute specific operations to infer sensitive data.
• Electromagnetic analysis: Attackers capture electromagnetic emissions to decode secure transactions.

4. Supply Chain Attacks

Hackers can compromise embedded systems at any point in the supply chain — from manufacturing to installation — by inserting malicious code or backdoors. Supply chain attack methods include:

• Firmware backdoors: Attackers pre-install hidden malicious code before the system is even operational.
• Hardware trojans: Compromised components are stealthily embedded in devices during production. These components disrupt operations, steal sensitive information or cause physical damage.
• Counterfeit components: Malicious actors introduce substandard or altered components to create vulnerabilities.

5. Social Engineering Attacks

Not all attacks involve sophisticated coding or hardware exploits — sometimes, hackers manipulate employees into granting access to embedded systems. These attacks tend to include:

• Phishing emails: Attackers trick employees into revealing credentials. In 2022, hackers sent more than 30 million malicious emails using Microsoft branding.
• Impersonation: Hackers pose as trusted personnel to gain access to restricted systems. Some impersonate CEOs, supply chain vendors or employees to request invoice payment.
• USB drops: Cybercriminals leave malware-infected USBs, hoping an unsuspecting employee will plug them into a device.

What Are the Best Attack Prevention Techniques?

Different cybersecurity techniques are best suited for different types of attacks. IT professionals and businesses should implement strong techniques to protect the security of their embedded systems against as many types of attacks as possible.

Software-Based Attack Prevention

• Restrict firmware updates to verified sources via a Zero Trust framework.
• Replace default passwords with unique, device-specific credentials.
• Implement certificate-based authentication instead of passwords.
• Enable multi-factor authentication for all remote access to embedded systems.

Network-Based Attack Prevention

• Encrypt all communications using TLS 1.3 and MQTT-SN, a secure version of the IoT MQTT protocol.
• Implement AES-256 encryption for device storage to prevent data leaks.
• Use hardware security modules for sensitive computations.
• Employ network segmentation to isolate critical embedded systems.
• Implement strong firewall and intrusion prevention systems.

Side-Channel Attack Prevention

• Use tamper-resistant hardware and shielding.
• Employ load-time function randomization to randomize all of a program’s functions, cutting off potential pathways for hackers.
• Deploy constant-time cryptographic implementations to prevent timing leaks.
• Use power-masking techniques to obfuscate fluctuations.
• Physically secure embedded systems to prevent unauthorized access.

Supply Chain Attack Prevention

• Only source components from trusted manufacturers and suppliers.
• Conduct thorough security audits on all third-party vendors.
• Use firmware integrity verification tools before deployment.

Social Engineering Attack Prevention

• Conduct regular cybersecurity awareness training for employees.
• Implement multi-factor authentication to reduce the likelihood of being hacked by ninety-nine percent.
• Monitor for unusual user behavior, such as repeated failed login attempts.

What Are the Next Steps to Protect Embedded Systems?

Before taking any safeguarding measures, conduct an embedded system security audit. This will help you identify weak points before hackers do. It’s also crucial to implement a zero-trust framework where the default is not to trust any device or user to protect against impersonation attempts. Finally, if your team lacks embedded security expertise, partnering with firms specializing in IoT and firmware protection can help you prevent cyberattacks.

Eliminate Hidden Threats From Your Embedded Systems

Embedded systems are the backbone of modern business operations, but they are also one of the weakest links in cybersecurity. By understanding the common attack methods, hackers use, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your business.