Understanding embedded systems
Embedded systems are used within OT environments. They are a combination of hardware and software, designed to operate a particular operational process. Machine tools used in mechanical engineering environments would be a good example of where we might see embedded systems, but we can see these systems in almost all environments where industrial controls are used. They will be used in power stations, water treatment plants, transportation systems, and much more. Embedded systems may rely on hardware that was designed over 50 years ago, and the software may have been written in low-level machine code.
In many cases, there is no cost-effective way to upgrade a legacy embedded system. It may be operating a nuclear facility or a coal-fired power station that is due to be decommissioned in the near future. Network segmentation is often the only way to mitigate risks when supporting these environments.
Internet of things
Internet of things (IoT) covers...