Embedded system security is a strategic approach to protecting software running on embedded systems from attack. An embedded system is a programmable hardware component with a minimal operating system and software.
Embedded systems are designed to perform a dedicated function or functions. Found in consumer electronics, process control systems, aircraft, in-car systems and many other applications, embedded systems need to be extremely reliable. Because of their small size and limited compute resources, however, they can present security challenges for designers and developers.