6 types of security testing for embedded and IoT systems

Security testing ensures the robustness and resilience of embedded systems against potential threats and vulnerabilities. As embedded systems become more prevalent in various industries, it is imperative for development teams to be well-versed in the different types of security testing methodologies available.

In this article we’ll discuss the different kinds of security testing for IoT and embedded development.

1 Penetration Testing
Penetration testing, also known as ethical hacking, involves simulating real-world attacks on an embedded system to identify vulnerabilities and assess its overall security posture. By actively probing for system weaknesses, development teams can gain valuable insights into potential security loopholes and address them before malicious actors exploit them. Penetration testing can encompass network, application, and physical security assessments.

2 Vulnerability Assessment
Vulnerability assessment focuses on identifying and classifying system vulnerabilities, providing product development teams with a comprehensive understanding of potential weaknesses. This assessment typically involves scanning the embedded system for known vulnerabilities, analysing software and firmware components, and conducting penetration testing to validate any identified vulnerabilities.

3 Code Review
Code review is an essential security testing method that involves scrutinizing the source code of an embedded system for potential security vulnerabilities. By examining the code for coding errors, insecure coding practices, and architectural flaws, developers can identify and rectify security weaknesses early in the development lifecycle.

4 Fuzz Testing
Fuzz testing, or fuzzing, is a technique that involves bombarding an embedded system with a large volume of random or malformed inputs to uncover software flaws and potential security vulnerabilities. By subjecting the system to unexpected or invalid inputs, you can identify and address vulnerabilities related to memory corruption, buffer overflows, and other software defects

5 Protocol Testing
Embedded systems often communicate through various protocols, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Zigbee. Protocol testing involves analysing the security of these communication protocols to ensure they are resistant to attacks, such as eavesdropping, replay attacks, or man-in-the-middle attacks. By thoroughly testing the security of these protocols, risks can be mitigated associated with unauthorized access or data manipulation.

6 Compliance Testing
Compliance testing ensures that an embedded system adheres to relevant security standards, regulations, and best practices. This type of testing verifies if the system meets specific security requirements, such as cryptography, access controls, or secure software development practices. By conducting compliance testing, you can ensure that embedded systems meet industry-recognized security standards and guidelines.